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Reuters: Russia trained with new secret weapon near Svalbard
In the spring, Russian submarines simulated the deployment of new technology designed to disable critical undersea cables near Svalbard, the Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. However, the Russian exercise was exposed and thwarted by Norway, the UK and the US, anonymous Western officials told Reuters.
More specifically, the exercise was reportedly conducted by Russia's Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research (GUGI).
In April, the UK and Norway announced that they had been monitoring Russian submarines from the Kola Peninsula that attempted to map underwater infrastructure in the North Atlantic. The discovery of the new weapon near Svalbard and the US involvement have not been previously reported.
No appeal received following the arrest of Russian vessel
Last Wednesday, the Governor of Svalbard placed the Russian vessel “Professor Moltsjanov”, which was docked in Barentsburg on Svalbard, under arrest.
The following day, Russia’s ambassador Nikolay Korchunov announced that Russia would appeal the decision and demand the ship’s release.
On Monday morning, Hålogaland Court of Appeal and Nord-Troms and Senja District Court told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that no appeal has yet been filed in the case.
Finnish Defence Forces to participate in the Denmark-led Arctic Endurance 26
The Finnish Defence Forces will participate in the Denmark-led Arctic Endurance 26 -exercise complex in the Arctic region in early autumn.
That is stated in a press release from the Finnish Defence Forces.
The service personnel that will participate are from the Navy and from the Utti Jaeger Regiment.
"Finland maintains an active posture as a NATO member nation, and takes part in strengthening security in the Arctic region together with its Allies. Participation in the exercise complex will develop the Finnish Defence Forces’ interoperability, information exchange, and competence in the Arctic operating environment," the press release states.
Participation in the exercise will offer the Finnish Defence Forces’ special forces an opportunity to develop their capability to operate in a demanding Arctic environment and to strengthen cooperation with international Allies.
Arctic Endurance is one of the enduring exercises included under NATOs Arctic Sentry. This is NATO's enhanced Vigilance Activity for the High North and aims to strengthen the Alliance's posture and presence in the Arctic region.
A new jammertest will soon be held on Andøya
From September 14th to 18th, the world's largest open GNSS resilience test (jammertest) will be held on Andøya, Northern Norway, for the fifth year in a row.
The event gives public and private actors the opportunity to hone modern positioning technology against jamming and spoofing attacks. The goal of the test is to develop more robust navigation systems.
This year, over 200 actors from around the world have applied to join the event.
The organizers are the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom), the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment, the Norwegian Metrology Service, the Norwegian Space Agency, the Norwegian Mapping Authority and Avinor.
According to Nkom, results from previous years show that the test has contributed to clear improvements at both system and component level in several sectors – such as telecom, the automotive industry, the maritime sector and aviation.
"Critical societal functions are increasingly dependent on accurate position, navigation and time. Therefore, it is gratifying that all the testing actually makes the products better and our society safer," says Espen Slette, Department Director at Nkom.
New report: Uncultivated land has great value for people in Finnmark
In no other Norwegian county is access to and use of uncultivated land as extensive as in Finnmark, Northern Norway. This is according to a new report prepared by NORCE for Finnmark County Council.
"The report shows that the uncultivated land is an important part of living a good life in Finnmark. Access to nature, harvesting and outdoor activities provide quality of life, belonging and activity. These are values that can contribute to people wanting to live and stay in the county," says County Mayor Hans-Jacob Bønå (Conservative) in a press release.
The report also points to the need for updated knowledge, planning capacity, cooperation and a clear understanding of roles among the actors who facilitate the use of the uncultivated land.
"We would particularly like to highlight new knowledge that has emerged from the mapping of outlying industry actors. This is an industry with great development potential, but where most actors have limited growth ambitions and are satisfied with the current scope. The belief in employment growth is greatest within outdoor tourism, where Finnmark companies facilitate hunting and fishing for visitors," says Vigdis Nygaard, senior researcher at NORCE.
The report can be read here.
Local North Norwegian company secures major contract
North Norwegian company Nordasfalt has entered into an agreement with Skanska for the execution of asphalting, milling and moisture insulation on the extensive work on the new road project E6 Megården – Sommerset.
This is reported by Nordasfalt in a press release, reproduced in a number of media, including Avisa Nordland.
The road project is located in Sørfold municipality, north of Fauske in Nordland.
The contract will be the largest single contract in the company's history.
"The assignment shows that Nordasfalt is strong as a total supplier in the asphalt field, and that our expertise across disciplines is noticed. Through close and constructive dialogue with Skanska, solutions have been facilitated that strengthen both the quality and environmental profile of the project," says CEO Kevin Slettmyr.
Nordasfalt has its head office and department in Bodø, in addition to departments in Fauske and Narvik.
Multiple environmental violations at Kirkenes Airport
The Norwegian Environment Agency has uncovered multiple repeated environmental violations at Kirkenes Airport, in Northern Norway, and is requesting immediate improvements from Avinor, reports the local newspaper iFinnmark.
Inspections revealed deficiencies in chemical management, storage of hazardous substances, waste management, and internal controls.
The agency considers the situation serious and has set a deadline for Avinor to resolve the non-conformities.
Airport management acknowledges that its environmental efforts have been insufficient and states that measures have been initiated to regain control over routines and storage.
New CEO of Kimek in Kirkenes
Eirik Wikan will take over as acting CEO of the Kimek companies, which are engaged in ship repair and industrial services in Kirkenes, Northern Norway. Kimek AS announces this on its Facebook page.
Former CEO Greger Mannsverk is ill and will be absent from his position indefinitely.
Wikan comes from the position of finance manager at Kimek and has been part of the company's management for 18 years.
Several from the north are finalists to become Young Farmer of the Year
The finalists for Norway's Young Farmer of the Year 2026 are now ready, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food announced in a press release.
Ambjørg Skibdalen from Telemark, Joar Straume from Nordland and the farming couple Iselin Mentzoni Eliassen and Jørgen Juul Thomassen from Troms have been selected from over 500 nominees from across the country.
Joar Straume (22) moved from Western Norway to the Helgeland coast in Northern Norway to realize his dream of owning his own farm. He now runs Nordbostad Farm in Mindland in Nordland with his wife Elena.
In Troms, Northern Norway, Iselin Mentzoni Eliassen (27) and Jørgen Juul Thomassen (29) run Buktenes farm in Kvænangen. The farm is the municipality's last dairy farm.
The winner of Young Farmer of the Year 2026 will be announced during Dyrsku'n in Seljord on September 11th.
Army Chief to become new head of the Norwegian Intelligence Service
Major General Lars Lervik has been appointed Lieutenant General and new Chief of the Norwegian Intelligence Service.
This is stated in a press release from the Norwegian Armed Forces on Friday.
Lervik is currently the Chief of the Norwegian Army and takes on the role after Vice Admiral Nils Andreas Stensønes, who is retiring after leading the Intelligence Service since 2020.
"I am very pleased that Major General Lars Lervik has today been appointed as the new Chief of the Intelligence Service. Congratulations on the promotion to Lieutenant General and a new and important position. I am confident that the Intelligence Service has the right chief to lead and develop the organization further. At the same time, I would like to thank Vice Admiral Nils Andreas for his service and the enormous effort that has been made since he took office as Chief of the Intelligence Service," says Norway's Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen about the appointment.
Lervik will assume the position from the date determined by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense.
Norway and UK defence ministers discussed security in the High North
Norwegian Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik had his first telephone conversation with the new British Secretary of State for Defence, Wes Streeting, on Thursday,
During the telephone meeting, security challenges in the High North and closer defense cooperation were high on the agenda, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense reports in a press release.
"Norway and the United Kingdom have strong cultural, geographical and historical ties. Together we have stood shoulder to shoulder throughout the 77 years of NATO's existence. We are now well underway in expanding our already strong and close defense cooperation," says Norway's Minister of Defense Tore O. Sandvik, adding:
"Together we are strengthening NATO's defense flank in the Arctic and the High North to secure Norway and our allies in turbulent times."
One of the main topics discussed was the further strengthening of the strategic defence cooperation between the UK and Norway through the Lunna House Agreement. This was signed in December 2025 and is the most comprehensive defence cooperation agreement that Norway and the UK have entered into in recent times.
Sandvik and Streeting also spoke about the need for continued support for Ukraine and European contributions to NATO, and the North European security cooperation Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).
6 out of 10 young people in Northern Norway had a summer job last year
In 2025, 61 per cent of young people in Northern Norway between the ages of 15 and 22 had a summer job. This is almost 10 percentage points more than in 2015 and well above the national average of 53 percent, according to the Knowledge Bank in SpareBank 1 Northern Norway.
Furthermore, 44 per cent of young immigrants had summer jobs compared to 71 per cent of Norwegian-born with two Norwegian-born parents.
The proportion of young people with summer jobs also varies significantly between municipalities. Beiarn (85 percent) and Båtsfjord (79 percent) had the most young people with summer jobs while Nesna (39 percent) had the fewest.
UK assumes command of JFC Norfolk
In September, British Lieutenant General Nick Perry will be appointed general and the new commander of NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFC Norfolk) in Virginia, USA.
JFC Norfolk is responsible for the security of the Arctic and the High North, as well as for protecting strategic lines of communication across the Atlantic. Its area of responsibility includes all the Nordic Arctic countries and the United Kingdom.
Perry's appointment is part of a process of change in NATO's command structure in which European allies are taking over leadership roles from the United States. Italy will take over command of JFC Naples, and Germany and Poland will share command of JFC Brunssum. The US will lead NATO's three component commands of air, land and maritime.
NOK 6 million for a new coastal center
The Nordland County Council in Northern Norway is allocating NOK 6 million to the Nordland Research Institute. The funds will go towards establishing a new research center: MEA – a research center for marine and coastal communities. The goal is for new knowledge to foster stronger local communities and green growth along the Nordland coast.
The project receiving this funding will run for three years. It is intended to lay the foundation for a permanent research center in the county.
The target audience includes municipalities, regional councils, the business sector, and coastal communities in Nordland.
"This is an important investment in the future of our coast," says Svein Øien Eggesvik (Centre Party), County Councilor for Business, in a press release.
Sweden reopened honorary consulate in Tromsø
Last week, Sweden's honorary consulate in Tromsø, Northern Norway, was reopened with Christian Hjort as the new honorary consul. Hjort has a background as director of the company JM Hansen Eiendom.
"The consulate in Tromsø strengthens Sweden's presence in a region with significant business interests, and helps create good conditions for cross-border cooperation between the countries, while improving service to Swedish citizens in Northern Norway," writes the Swedish embassy in Oslo.
"I look forward to taking on the consular tasks, and not least to helping strengthen the already strong ties between our two countries," states Hjort.
Russia builds ninth Yasen M-class submarine
Last week, construction of Murmansk, the ninth nuclear submarine of the Yasen M class, began at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, reports the Russian state news agency TASS.
The Russian Navy currently operates five Yasen M-class submarines. In addition to Murmansk, three more submarines of this class are under construction. These will become part of the Northern Fleet and the Pacific Fleet.
The submarines are armed with the Oniks and Kalibr cruise missiles and may in the future be equipped with the Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile, TASS writes.
Norway to open Consulate General in Greenland
Norway is strengthening its presence in Greenland and will open a Consulate General in Nuuk to further develop cooperation with Greenland at a time when the Arctic is gaining increasing strategic importance.
That is stated in a press release.
"The High North remains Norway’s most important strategic priority, and the Arctic is becoming increasingly important for international politics and security. Greenland is a close partner for Norway, and a Consulate General in Nuuk will strengthen both political contact and cooperation on shared interests in the region," said Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
"A Consulate General in Nuuk will give us closer contact with the Greenlandic authorities, the business community and civil society. It will strengthen cooperation in areas where Norway and Greenland already share strong interests, such as fisheries, maritime affairs and Indigenous peoples’ issues. It will also give us better opportunities to develop new areas of cooperation in the years ahead," said Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
Norway has had an honorary consulate general in Nuuk since 1986.
International expedition to strengthen cooperation between Arctic coast guards
On Friday 19 June, the Norwegian Coast Guard vessel KV Hopen will leave Bergen, Norway, to carry out Operation Arctic Cohesion 2026.
This is an extensive, international expedition that will strengthen cooperation between Arctic coast guards, the Norwegian Armed Forces states in a press release.
The voyage marks the start of a two-month expedition through the North Atlantic, during which Norway, together with partners in Iceland, the United States, Canada and Greenland, will carry out a number of activities, exercises and professional exchanges.
Operation Arctic Cohesion 2026 is a key part of the Arctic Coast Guard Forum (ACGF) collaboration, and will show how the coast guards in the Arctic cooperate in practice to safeguard safety, emergency preparedness and the environment in an increasingly active sea area.
"Security and emergency preparedness in the Arctic are created through practical cooperation. When coast guards from several nations train, sail and solve missions together, we strengthen our collective ability to ensure safety in some of the world's most demanding sea areas," says Deputy Commander of the Norwegian Coast Guard, Commander Ture Lehn.
TV 2: Alleged Chinese spy to be released from custody
On May 15, a Chinese citizen was arrested in Norway, suspected of attempted illegal intelligence activities against state secrets.
The man is alleged to have stayed in a bunker near the military section of the airport in Bodø, Northern Norway.
The accused was remanded in custody for four weeks.
TV 2 reports on Friday that the accused Chinese citizen is now being released.
"PST is releasing the Chinese citizen who was arrested in May 2026 and charged with attempted illegal intelligence activities against state secrets. The arrest occurred in connection with the accused taking up residence in a bunker near Bodø air station," police prosecutor Kathrine Tonstad in Norway's Police Security Service (PST) tells TV 2.
"The basis for suspicion against the accused is considered weakened through the investigation that has been carried out so far. The investigation will be completed and then forwarded from PST to the National Authority for Prosecution of Organised and other Serious Crime for a prosecutorial decision, Tonstad adds.
Will be arrested again
According to Tonstad, the Nordland Police District will now arrest the accused of violating the Immigration Act and prepare a case for deportation or expulsion from Norway.
PST adds that there is no information indicating that there is any connection between this case and the woman who was arrested on Andøya, suspected of complicity in an attempted act of serious intelligence activity against state secrets a few weeks ago, writes TV 2.