A sniper at every airport? This is how Norway wants to defend itself against drones
Abid Raja from the Liberal Party (Venstre) has called for the deployment of armed sharpshooters at Oslo-Gardermoen Airport, pointing to the growing risk of drone incidents and the need to immediately strengthen the protection of critical aviation infrastructure. The proposal came after disruptions to air traffic caused by illegal drone flights.
This is the first proposal regarding drones put forward by Norwegian liberals.
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The Norwegian debate on airport security has intensified following a series of violations of drone flight regulations in the Gardermoen area. Such incidents can lead to suspended operations and flight diversions, with immediate consequences for passengers, carriers, and airport services.
Supporters of stricter measures argue that it is crucial to shorten response times and provide tools to neutralize drones before they enter critical approach corridors. The discussion also covers legal frameworks and the competencies of services, as the introduction of armed teams requires clear procedures for the use of force in civilian airspace.
Supporters of stricter measures argue that it is crucial to shorten response times and provide tools to neutralize drones before they enter critical approach corridors. The discussion also covers legal frameworks and the competencies of services, as the introduction of armed teams requires clear procedures for the use of force in civilian airspace.
Does Oslo want to avoid a repeat of Copenhagen?
An additional impetus for the debate was an incident in Copenhagen, which the Danish Prime Minister described as one of the most serious acts of sabotage against infrastructure in recent years, resulting in the temporary closure of the airport and flight diversions. Danish authorities involved the military in the investigation, treating the event as part of broader hybrid threats and emphasizing the need for immediate countermeasures.
Reports indicated advanced skills on the part of the drone operator, making detection and neutralization difficult in the busy, urbanized environment of the airport. It was noted that similar disruptions were also recorded in the north, where there were interruptions to traffic in the Oslo area.
Reports indicated advanced skills on the part of the drone operator, making detection and neutralization difficult in the busy, urbanized environment of the airport. It was noted that similar disruptions were also recorded in the north, where there were interruptions to traffic in the Oslo area.
Norway wants to fight drones
Raja argues that deploying trained sharpshooters could complement the existing range of anti-drone measures and act as a deterrent to operators risking entry into controlled airspace. Police and airport authorities already use regulations allowing them to seize equipment and initiate proceedings against those violating no-fly zones, but the increasing number of incidents is creating pressure for faster and more decisive interventions.
The discussion also concerns integrating sharpshooters' actions with drone detection, jamming, and interception systems to minimize the risk of collateral damage near infrastructure and transport routes. In the background remain the issues of costs, training, and coordination between the police, the airport, and possibly the armed forces, reflecting recent Danish operational experiences.
The discussion also concerns integrating sharpshooters' actions with drone detection, jamming, and interception systems to minimize the risk of collateral damage near infrastructure and transport routes. In the background remain the issues of costs, training, and coordination between the police, the airport, and possibly the armed forces, reflecting recent Danish operational experiences.
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