Russia launched a major strategic nuclear weapons exercise in the Barents Sea over the weekend. The time of the exercise is exceptional, as it is usually held in the fall. In Norway, it is estimated that Russia will send a message to NATO and the West with the exercise
STOCKHOLM At a time when the world’s attention is on the Russian-Ukrainian border, there is Russia started (switch to another service)major exercise of strategic nuclear weapons in the Barents Sea.
The exercise is usually held in the fall. Russia announced a few weeks ago that it would change the timing of the exercise.
Exercise warning area notified by Russia extends (you switch to another service) according to Norwegian media, to a wider area on the Norwegian side of the Barents Sea than ever before.
The exercise involves, for example, Russian warships and submarines from which cruise missiles have been launched.
– The Arctic region is now affected by the crisis in Ukraine, says a senior foreign policy researcher Andreas Østhagen Ylelle.
– Russia wants to send a message at this time to NATO and the West that this part of the Arctic is very important to it and it is ready to defend it. It urges NATO to stay away, he says.
Russia’s nuclear weapons next door
Russia’s main strategic nuclear weapons are located right next door to Norway.
Russia’s nuclear deterrence is largely based on the ability of its strategic nuclear submarines to operate and move freely.
– Russia’s message is also that it does not want a conflict in the Arctic, says Østhagen, who works at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute in Norway.
The exercise has caused concern among Norwegians.
Minister of Defense of the country Odd Roger Enos said the broadcaster NRK in an interview (you move to another service) on Sunday that the exercise should not be seen as a sign of hostility towards the northern regions, but for Russia to show the world its military power.
In the interview, he also highlighted the importance of Nordic defense co-operation. In recent weeks, there has been a lot of talk in NATO about how defense co-operation with Finland and Sweden could be further intensified.
Nordic defense co-operation is high on the list of the new government formed by the Social Democrats and the Center Party.
Cooperation with Russia will continue
Norway has increased its military readiness.
According to the Norwegian Defense Forces, there has been no difference in Russia’s military action.
Military activity and equipment have increased over the past couple of years in the Barents Sea and the Kola Peninsula.
– As NATO and Russia increase their exercises, the other side will respond with an increasing number of exercises and territory, and the spiral is complete.
Norway and Russia have a lot of important bilateral co-operation in the border area, such as coastal surveillance in the event of environmental accidents.
– Norway’s goal is to be able to continue this cooperation despite the international crisis, says Østhagen.
– However, I have no doubt that Russia is closely guarding its territories in the north and that the escalation of the security policy situation could also have consequences for Norway, he says.
You can discuss the subject until Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 11 p.m.