Drone Activity Increasing in Norway. Government Unveils Initial Action Plans
The Norwegian government has prepared a new national security strategy. One of its elements is the introduction of new tools to combat the illegal use of drones. Authorities are drawing attention to the growing activity of unmanned aerial vehicles over the country’s territory. The problem primarily concerns the protection of critical infrastructure.
The goal is better coordination of actions against threats.
Fot. Olav Heggø, materiały prasowe Ministerstwa Transportu (zdjęcie poglądowe)
In recent weeks, the media have reported that a significant portion of Norway’s critical infrastructure can be easily observed and mapped from the air, often legally. Cameras mounted on drones can be used to gather intelligence information.
Drone activity in Norway is steadily increasing. As a result, air traffic is regularly suspended in some regions of the country. The problem is also noticeable in Denmark, among other places.
Drone activity in Norway is steadily increasing. As a result, air traffic is regularly suspended in some regions of the country. The problem is also noticeable in Denmark, among other places.
Competence Center and the Role of Services
Minister of Justice Astri Aas-Hansen announced that the government is planning a new initiative in response to these threats. One element will be the establishment of a national competence center for illegal drone use. The center is intended to improve the understanding of the scale of the problem and strengthen the response capabilities of relevant services.
The minister emphasized that in peacetime, these matters fall under the competence of the police and the justice system. Responsibility for assessing threats also lies with the owners of critical infrastructure, such as power plants and transformer stations.
The minister emphasized that in peacetime, these matters fall under the competence of the police and the justice system. Responsibility for assessing threats also lies with the owners of critical infrastructure, such as power plants and transformer stations.
The government does not plan a total ban on drone flights.Photo: fotolia.com
Regulation Instead of Total Bans
At the same time, the government emphasizes that it does not plan to introduce a total ban on drone flights over all facilities. Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård points out that drones should be regulated, not eliminated.
The ministry is considering introducing a requirement for drones to transmit a signal identifying their location and owner. This is intended to enable better monitoring of drone traffic and increase the safety of their use. Decisions on no-fly zones will be left to individual administrative sectors.
The ministry is considering introducing a requirement for drones to transmit a signal identifying their location and owner. This is intended to enable better monitoring of drone traffic and increase the safety of their use. Decisions on no-fly zones will be left to individual administrative sectors.
New Measures Against Aerial Threats
The new competence center will be presented in the document "Government Plan for Norway." Authorities are announcing further actions tailored to the changing security situation in the country and in Europe.
At the same time, analyses will be conducted regarding the protection of specific facilities and the rules for drone use in public spaces. The aim is better coordination and a fuller understanding of threats related to unmanned aerial vehicles.
At the same time, analyses will be conducted regarding the protection of specific facilities and the rules for drone use in public spaces. The aim is better coordination and a fuller understanding of threats related to unmanned aerial vehicles.
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