Deployment in Finnmark
Norway will deploy sensors for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and increase troop numbers in Finnmark, the northernmost county bordering Russia. I find this preventative move practical because it positions sensors in Kirkenes, which sits only 7.5 kilometers from the Norway-Russia border. The Norwegian Defense Ministry announced the deployment of these sensors and another 30 troops on Nov. 3. Norwegian Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik said, "The experience from Ukraine shows how important it is to have a good overview and receive early warning. These are sensors that will strengthen our ability to detect drones in Finnmark." Sandvik noted that Norway must be prepared even if the country does not see an elevated air threat against the population of Finnmark now. Sandvik explained that Norway takes the issue seriously because drones go astray in other countries. The Defense Ministry says the increase in troop numbers and sensors is preventative and not based on a new threat. Norway will station an extra 30 troops in the northern region to bolster the existing defense posture.
Regional airspace violations
The decision responds to recent airspace violations by Russian drones in the region. On Sept. 8, a suspected Russian Shahed-type drone violated Moldovan and Romanian airspace, which forced airspace closures, emergency alerts, and the scrambling of NATO fighter jets. On Oct. 3, five Russian air attack weapons, including Banderol missiles and drones, violated Moldova’s airspace and exploded on its territory during a Russian attack against Ukraine, according to President Maia Sandu. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Sept. 15 interview that Russia intentionally attacked Moldova with drones when he was traveling through the country. Moldova has also experienced intensified and frequent airspace violations in recent months. Airspace violations have also taken place in other countries, including Finland and Lithuania. The presence of Banderol missiles and drones in Moldova’s airspace demonstrates clearly why Norway wants these new sensors in Kirkenes. I see the necessity of this sensor deployment because drones have repeatedly crossed borders in this region. This movement in Finnmark comes as air defense remains a top priority for the area.
