The Norwegian Armed Forces are deploying an aerial surveillance system in the town of Kirkenes, near the Russian border, to detect drones that stray off course at an early stage.
Source: a press release by the Norwegian government, as reported by European Pravda
Details: The Norwegian Air Force is deploying specialised NASAMS sensors, while the military garrison in the region will be reinforced by more than 30 soldiers.
"We have seen in other countries that drones can go astray. This is something Norway takes seriously. We must be prepared, even though we do not currently see an increased aerial threat to Norway or the population of Finnmark," said Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik.
The government noted that the measures are preventive and are not linked to any specific new threat.
The sensors are designed to detect drones, warn of their presence and provide a comprehensive picture of all activity in the airspace over border areas.
The unit involved in the initiative will comprise more than 30 military personnel and will be stationed within the Ranger Battalion GSV in Sør-Varanger by the end of the year.
"Ukraine's experience shows just how important it is to have a good overview and to receive early warning. These sensors will strengthen our ability to detect drones in Finnmark," the defence minister said.
The Norwegian Armed Forces are also working closely with the police, which is responsible for tracking and preventing illegal drone flights.
Background: A Russian Geran drone entered Latvian airspace on 1 November. The UAV left the country's territory 17 minutes later. Statistics show that Russian attacks on Ukraine in October resulted in drones violating Moldovan airspace 19 times.
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