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Norway Must Act Faster. One City in the Crosshairs
A former commander points to threats that are still rarely discussed. Fot. Adobe Stock, licencja standardowa (zdjęcie poglądowe)
Former head of the Norwegian Joint Operational Headquarters, Yngve Odlo, warns that Norway faces real terrorist, sabotage, and cyber threats. He points out that the country still underestimates the seriousness of the security situation in Europe. In his view, Narvik could be a particularly vulnerable location, as it plays a key role in NATO's defense plans.
Yngve Odlo served as the operational commander during Norway's withdrawal from Afghanistan and at the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He emphasizes that Norway borders a country that has annexed part of a sovereign nation.
He notes that decision-makers' awareness of these threats is insufficient. In his opinion, the current geopolitical situation requires more decisive action. Odlo claims that the time to react is quickly running out.
He notes that decision-makers' awareness of these threats is insufficient. In his opinion, the current geopolitical situation requires more decisive action. Odlo claims that the time to react is quickly running out.
Narvik as a Strategic Target
According to the retired general, the war in Ukraine increases the likelihood of attacks targeting Norway, including acts of sabotage, terrorism, and cyberattacks. Odlo points out that Narvik, as a key entry point for allied troops, could become a target.
He reminds that Finland has the longest NATO border with Russia and is highly dependent on maritime transport through the Baltic Sea. Any disruption to maritime traffic could have serious economic and social consequences. In this context, Narvik's role as an ice-free port becomes even more significant.
He reminds that Finland has the longest NATO border with Russia and is highly dependent on maritime transport through the Baltic Sea. Any disruption to maritime traffic could have serious economic and social consequences. In this context, Narvik's role as an ice-free port becomes even more significant.
Narvik could become a target for attacks due to its strategic importance.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard license
Infrastructure Not Sufficiently Prepared
Work to increase Narvik's capacity to receive allied equipment is progressing slowly. The Ministry of Defense confirms that the port has not yet received guidelines for expansion. Currently, about 20,000 square meters of space are available, while the need is four to five times greater.
Plans to use the former airport in Framneslia were halted due to unfavorable ground conditions. Odlo believes it is necessary to find a new location and secure adequate funding.
Plans to use the former airport in Framneslia were halted due to unfavorable ground conditions. Odlo believes it is necessary to find a new location and secure adequate funding.
The Growing Role of the North in Future Defense Strategy
Odlo emphasizes that the developing infrastructure should serve civilian purposes and, if necessary, act as military support. He notes that security challenges will increase regardless of how the war in Ukraine unfolds.
He also points out that climate change will strengthen the strategic role of the North. In his opinion, the location of Narvik and the entire Nordkalotten will become increasingly important in future defense plans. Odlo stresses that this is the moment to make decisions crucial for the country's security.
He also points out that climate change will strengthen the strategic role of the North. In his opinion, the location of Narvik and the entire Nordkalotten will become increasingly important in future defense plans. Odlo stresses that this is the moment to make decisions crucial for the country's security.
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