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Norway boosts security measures with drones and army along Russian border

The Norwegian government plans to fully form a dedicated military brigade by 2036 to guard its 200-kilometer border with Russia.

byMaria Tril

21/09/2024

2 minute read

Norway boosts security measures with drones and army along Russian border

Norway is implementing enhanced measures to protect its border with Russia in the eastern province of Finnmark, reports NRK.

Norway is strengthening its border with Russia due to heightened geopolitical tensions and potential security threats due to Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Tone Vangen, head of emergency preparedness at the Norwegian Police Directorate, said that security measures will be reinforced at the Storskog border crossing in eastern Finnmark, Norway’s only border crossing with Russia.

“In light of the complex security policy situation combined with ongoing technological developments, various measures have been initiated to strengthen and modernize Norway’s border control with Russia,” Vangen said.

The official referred to the events of 2015 when thousands of migrants attempted to enter Norway from Russian territory. Vangen also noted the security measures implemented by Finland, which faced a similar hybrid attack last year.

In 2015, Norway experienced a migrant crisis at its border with Russia when several thousand migrants attempted to enter Norway through the Storskog crossing point. This unexpected influx of people, many seeking asylum, created logistical challenges and security concerns for Norwegian authorities, prompting a reassessment of border control measures along the Russian frontier.

“Therefore, at the Storskog border crossing, we are planning measures to increase security around the facility. Our goal is to be better prepared in case of a new wave of migrants from Russia,” explained the representative of the Norwegian Police Directorate.

According to NRK, Norway plans to use drones to monitor the Norwegian-Russian border in the future, and testing is currently underway.

The country also intends to involve its army more actively in guarding the nearly 200-kilometer border with Russia. By 2036, Norway aims to fully form a dedicated brigade for this purpose.

The Norwegian Army in the region will be reinforced with new battalions, an engineer reconnaissance company, and an air defense combat unit.

NRK reports that last year, Norway repeatedly stated its readiness to close the only border crossing point with Russia if necessary.

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