Sinking of Two Frigates by Norwegian Navy Sparks Strong Reactions In September, the Norwegian Armed Forces sank two old frigates off the coast of Northern Norway in connection with a NATO exercise. Fishers and nature conservationists have reacted strongly to the incident.
Major German Maritime Live-Fire Exercise off Andøya, Northern Norway Ten German naval vessels are now practicing live-fire with missiles, torpedoes, and artillery off the coast of Andøya in Northern Norway. This is the German Navy's largest firing exercise in decades.
US and Norway Tested New American Precision Weapon in Northern Norway American and Norwegian forces recently conducted a successful test of Quicksink, a new precision weapon, on a maritime target off Andøya in Northern Norway. "A clear example of how we work with trusted allies to bring new capabilities into play," says US Air Force Colonel Scott Gunn.
Ministerial Visit in the High North: Norway and Italy to Strengthen Space Cooperation The Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry recently received two Italian ministers in Northern Norway. Going forward, the countries will strengthen their cooperation on space activities and critical raw materials.
Formidable Shield 2025: "One of NATO's Most Important Deterrence Exercises This Year" Today, around 2,500 soldiers from ten NATO nations began a highly relevant air and missile defense exercise at Andøya, Northern Norway. "The war in Ukraine shows the significance of being able to protect the airspace," says spokesperson at the Norwegian Joint Headquarters.
Formidable Shield 2025: "One of NATO's Most Important Deterrence Exercises This Year" Today, around 2,500 soldiers from ten NATO nations began a highly relevant air and missile defense exercise at Andøya, Northern Norway. "The war in Ukraine shows the significance of being able to protect the airspace," says spokesperson at the Norwegian Joint Headquarters.
Norway and the US Strengthens Space Cooperation in the High North A new US-Norway agreement facilitates American commercial space launches from Andøya Spaceport in Northern Norway. "A major step toward making Andøya one of the world’s most attractive locations for satellite launches," says the Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry.
Norway’s Parliament Agrees to Give the US Access to New Military Areas in the North On Thursday, the Norwegian parliament voted in favor of giving US forces unimpeded access to several additional military areas, not least in the North. Norway should keep up with Sweden and Finland, recommended the Norwegian Intelligence Service – while others express concern for the policy that aims for low tension in the High North.
Norway’s Parliament Agrees to Give the US Access to New Military Areas in the North On Thursday, the Norwegian parliament voted in favor of giving US forces unimpeded access to several additional military areas, not least in the North. Norway should keep up with Sweden and Finland, recommended the Norwegian Intelligence Service – while others express concern for the policy that aims for low tension in the High North.
USA and Norway: Will Build Satellite Station at Andøya For Early Missile Warning US-Norwegian defense cooperation is taking off, including into space. The countries want to collaborate on space-based missile defense in the Arctic – with a unique base in Andøya, Northern Norway. A key aspect is to develop capabilities for cruise missile early warning in the High North.
Norway to Invest in Defense-Oriented Science and Innovation in the North Development of defense-related technology and knowledge in Northern Norway is underway as part of the government's new long-term plan for the Armed Forces. “This will increase the ability for defense, security and preparedness in the region,” says Norwegian MoD.
Norway Reopens Andøya Air Station as Base for Long-Range Drones The Norwegian Government reverses its own decision and announces a new million-dollar investment in long-range drones for sea surveillance in the High North. Andøya becomes central in sea surveillance and developing the Armed Forces' space operations.
The Norwegian MoD Believes the Russian Nuclear Threat to Be Real The Norwegian Ministry of Defense believes Russia's plans for nuclear weapons in space to be a real threat. "We and our allies must be able to face this type of threat," writes the department's state secretary.
Norway Launched Into the Commercial Space Age Andøya (High North News): On Thursday, Europe's first and only operational launch port for satellites officially opened on Andøya and brought Norway into what is called "New Space," the commercial and privatized space age. The Norwegian Armed Forces are thrilled to see a direct entrance into the fifth domain: space.
Rise in Unwanted Activity Ahead of Andøya Spaceport Opening: Police Urges the Public to Be Alert The Nordland police report an increase in their attention to all areas with strategic targets for intelligence. This also applies to Andøya in Northern Norway, where Europe's first mainland spaceport opens in November. "We are alert but not worried," says CEO Ketil Olsen at Andøya Space.
American-Led Maritime Live-Fire Exercise in the Works off Andøya, Northern Norway In May, naval vessels from Norway and several NATO allies will practice missile defense in North Norwegian waters. The exercise, called Formidable Shield, will be led by the US Sixth Fleet.
USA Demonstrated New Weapons System – Wanted To Deter Russia Without Escalating This week, American special forces have been training in Northern Norway. On Wednesday, they performed the European premiere of a new weapons system at Andøya. The exercise is clearly aimed at Russia and intended to deter expansionist behavior.
Allied Maritime Sharpshooting Exercise Started Monday off Andøy Island, Norway This week, eight marine vessels from Norway, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands are to practice sharpshooting in North Norwegian waters off Andøy Island during the Mjølner exercise. The Norwegian army is also to participate in the exercise for the first time, using its new combat air defense.
Danish Missile Test Launch in the Night Before Thursday, New Allied Marine Exercise in the North Coming Up In the night leading up to Thursday, the Danish frigate Niels Juel tested its new air defense missile in a training area off the coast of Andøya Island in Northern Norway, the Danish defense reports. Next week, this vessel along with other allied frigates are to exercise in the North.
Fishers Worried about Increasing Space Industry Activity The activities of Andøya Space increasingly challenge the fish industry off the coast of Andøya Island, according to fisher Yngve Larsen. Andøya Space CEO Ketil Olsen says they are prepared for more dialogue in order to arrive at solutions.
Andøya Space Center Establishes Drone Center While the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries still explores whether there is a need for a national drone center, Andøya Space Center positions itself to become the preferred choice should politicians give a thumb’s up.
