We Are Under Attack
Rolf Folland, the head of the Military Mission in Brussels, spoke candidly about Russia’s hybrid operations during this year’s Army Summit at Akershus Fortress in Oslo. His words were a stark reminder of the pressures faced by democratic countries in the current geopolitical climate.
Political Pressure
“Airspace violations and drone sightings over Denmark—though not officially attributed—suggest the involvement of a significant and organized force,” Folland told TV 2, elucidating his earlier statement.
This Lieutenant General serves as the Defense Chief’s military representative in both NATO and the EU. He emphasized that these influence operations are part of a broader strategy aimed at exerting political pressure on allied nations. “Such hybrid actions are tools aimed at unsettling political institutions in democracies and instilling fear within their populations. In that sense, we cannot claim to be in a state of deep peace,” he remarked during the conference.
Airspace Violations
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed the escalating threats posed by Russia, describing them as indicative of a hybrid war during a recent address to the European Parliament. “Something new and dangerous is happening in our airspace,” she stated. Passenger flights sit idle while fighter jets scramble, she noted, as Russian aircraft have breached the airspace of Estonia and drones have loomed ominously over critical sites in Belgium, Poland, Romania, Denmark, and Germany.
Notably, Norwegian airspace has faced incursion on three occasions this year, a phenomenon described as unusual for the northern regions by air-power experts. Vice Admiral Nils Andreas Stensønes, head of Norway’s intelligence service, remarked on Russia’s audacious tendencies, stating, “Since the onset of full-scale aggression in 2022, there has been a palpable increase in risk-taking behaviors.”
Russian warships have engaged Danish vessels, and numerous drones have been spotted near airports and military zones in Denmark. “What we are witnessing is Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy against Denmark and the West,” the head of Danish intelligence asserted, emphasizing the urgency of the emerging threat.
Investing Billions
The tense security landscape has thrust the northern regions into renewed significance. A British defense leader made a notable appearance at the inauguration of NATO’s new air operations center in Bodø, which serves as a testament to unity among NATO allies. “With all due respect, I am indifferent to what President Putin thinks. What he should understand is our unwavering commitment and cohesion as demonstrated by the opening of the Bodø Air Operations Center in 2025,” remarked Johnny Stringer from NATO’s Air Command.
The implications of the threat have expanded beyond Ukraine, with the European Union receiving approval for its drone defense initiatives aimed at securing the eastern flank. Sweden has pledged over 5 billion towards drone protection. “This involves developing systems to down drones, tracking them to our air bases, and installing jamming sensors for personnel and vehicles,” explained Pål Jonson, Sweden’s defense minister.
Ukraine’s Army Chief offered a pointed reminder to Norway: “Without drones, it is impossible to fight today,” Hennadii Shapovalov emphasized to TV 2.
He underscored the importance of diversifying drone technology for air defense, advocating for surface and maritime drones, noting their cost-effectiveness compared to missiles and warships.
A Urgent Call to Action
During the Army Summit, Norway’s army commander announced a significant investment in drone technology. A total of NOK 1.5 billion will be redirected over the next decade to accelerate testing, innovation, and procurement initiatives.
“We are facing an urgent situation, and we are aware that times are tough. That’s why we need to expedite these efforts,” declared Major General Lars Lervik to TV 2. He added, “Supporting Ukraine has provided invaluable insights. We are not starting from scratch; we are learning from what is arguably the world’s leading army in drone utilization and defense.”
As the global landscape shifts, the imperative for resilience in defense strategies could not be clearer. The stakes are high, and the calls for action resound louder than ever.