Norwegian forces are increasing their presence along the country’s border with Russia in response to heightened espionage and hybrid threats. The Finnmark Brigade, a new brigade tasked with defending Norway’s northern Finnmark region, is coordinating with Sweden and Finland under NATO frameworks to strengthen regional security, SVT reports.
The Norwegian-Russian border in Finnmark has become a strategically sensitive area since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The long, sparsely populated border is exposed to espionage, hybrid threats, and military activity, making it a key focus for national defense and regional NATO cooperation.
Spies on fishing vessels and among tourists
Brigade commander John Olav Fuglem said intelligence indicates a rise in Russian spying, including activity on fishing vessels entering Kirkenes and individuals posing as tourists with hidden agendas. He described the situation as an increased threat to Norway’s northern border region.
The Finnmark Brigade has been gradually reinforcing northern defenses over the past six months, with plans to double its strength by 2032 amid growing geopolitical tension.
Local residents in Sør-Varanger municipality are also helping monitor suspicious activity, providing additional situational awareness along the 198 km border.
NATO cooperation and new preparedness measures
The brigade emphasized that cooperation with NATO partners in Sweden and Finland has enhanced its operational capabilities. Norway has also established a national preparedness zone in Troms and Finnmark, with a new state preparedness centre in Kirkenes to support border security.
The only official border crossing in the area is at Storskog on the Norwegian side and Borisoglebsky on the Russian side, both of which are actively monitored.
