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Norway reactivates its underground bunkers to deal with the growing Russian threat
Scandinavian country prepares defence with historic bunkers and underground bases in response to tensions with Moscow
Due to escalating tensions with Russia, Norway is turning its attention back to its underground facilities, built during the Cold War as part of its defence against the USSR. These facilities, including some of the most iconic military bunkers, are now being reactivated to face new geopolitical challenges related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Two of the best known facilities, the Bardufoss air station and the Olavsvern naval base, are undergoing upgrades to support the Norwegian armed forces in the event of an attack. Located near the border with Russia, these underground bases are designed to offer protection for aircraft and ships from possible enemy attacks. Bardufoss, which dates back to 1938, is now home to Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, which will be protected by rugged underground hangars that have been upgraded to deal with modern threats.
Olavsvern, a naval base built in the 1950s, was one of Norway’s most impressive structures, with an underground command centre and dry dock. Despite being closed in 2009, the base was bought back by private investors in 2013 and restoration work has been ongoing since then to restore its functionality. The growing military presence, including that of the US Navy, has made Olavsvern a key strategic point for naval operations.
Norway has had to adapt to a new global security environment, with Russia increasing its engagement in the Arctic and maritime regions since the end of the Cold War. As pointed out by researcher Andreas Østhagen, ‘Around 2006-2008, there was a confluence of factors that pushed Norway to invest more in defence, including increased Russian military exercises in the Arctic and Moscow’s interest in the region’s resources.
Now, following the war in Ukraine and renewed Russian aggression, Norway has decided to re-establish these bases as part of its defence strategy, reflecting a growing concern for security in the region.
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