– Russia probably needs to demonstrate that they are capable of launching missiles purely for the purpose of deterrence, says chief researcher Kristian Åtland at the Norwegian Defense Research Institute (FFI). The shooting exercises will take place in the Barents Sea from Thursday to Saturday this week. It is the Russian military authorities who have announced that they will practice north and east of the Varanger Peninsula in Finnmark. Chief researcher Kristian Åtland at the Norwegian Defense Research Institute (FFI) believes that it is special that Russia is firing rockets in the area now. The firing notices are sent out as “Notice to Airmen” (NOTAM), to notify of planned military activities that may pose a danger to air and ship traffic. According to Åtland, it is often about sharpshooting tests from naval vessels, – We do not know what kind of weapons are planned to be tested in these areas, but it could be both naval targeting missiles and anti-aircraft missiles, possibly ballistic missiles from strategic submarines, says Åtland. It was the newspaper Nordlys that first wrote about the Russian alerts. Kristian Åtland in FFI at the Northern Fleet’s main base in Severomorsk. To the left in the background is a Norwegian frigate, and to the right a Russian destroyer. Photo: Privat Several incidents in Norwegian waters Russia regularly holds exercises in the Barents area, but most of the shooting and practice activity takes place in the sea areas outside the Kola Peninsula. In recent years, however, the Russians have stepped up their activity in the Norwegian economic zone. – Now there is an extraordinary situation with war in Ukraine, where Russia makes fairly undisguised nuclear threats, says Åtland. Åtland is not aware of any other Norwegian or allied training activity taking place in the immediate area right now. – These are strength markings, and have consequences for other activities in the area. Both for civil activity, ship traffic, fisheries and air traffic that must navigate around the danger areas. – The Defense has a good overview news has been in contact with the Defense which says that they are aware that Russia has announced the NOTAM messages. – This is done from time to time, as all states have the right to operate, train and practice in international waters and airspace, writes spokesperson Marius Vågenes Villanger in the Norwegian Armed Forces’ operational headquarters (FOH) in an email. Marius Vågenes Villanger in the Norwegian Armed Forces’ operational headquarters (FOH) Photo: Norwegian Armed Forces Villanger clarifies that it is completely normal and that it is done at regular intervals by states that have training, practice activities or operations in an area where it may have an impact on civilian traffic at sea and in the air. Furthermore, he says that the Norwegian Armed Forces have close cooperation with allies in NATO and other partners to ensure a good common understanding of the situation. – Through daily operations with presence and monitoring on the surface, in the air, on land, underwater and in cyberspace, the Norwegian Armed Forces have a good overview of all activity in our immediate areas, writes Villanger in FOH. Affects fishing The Russian shooting exercises affect both civilian and military activity. In the civilian area, it is primarily the fisheries that are affected. The leader Jens-Einar Bjørkås Johnsen of the Båtsfjord fishing association tells news that it causes unrest. – The one field that is furthest west and north. It’s right next to where a large line fleet is fishing with bank line boats, says Jens-Einar Bjørkås Johnsen. If the fishermen are chased away from the field, it will entail both additional time spent and increased fuel costs. Johnsen reacts to the practice notice coming so close because the boats are often out for a couple of days at a time. This may mean that not everyone gets it, says Johnsen in the Båtsfjord fishing association. – You probably don’t have as much as you should have said, but the Norwegian authorities only have to protest if it happens too often and in too large an area, says Jens-Einar Bjørkås Johnsen Båtsfjord fiskarlag. Photo: Bård Wormdal
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Russia warns of firing exercises in the Barents Sea – news Troms and Finnmark
