A former head of Norwegian military intelligence warns the country faces unprecedented espionage pressure, exacerbated by its open society.
Record Espionage Activity in Norway
Norway is currently under unprecedented pressure from foreign intelligence services, with the country’s traditionally open society facilitating espionage activities, according to Ola Kaldager, former head of the Norwegian military intelligence unit E14.
Kaldager shared his assessment in an interview published in the weekend edition of the newspaper “Aftenposten.”
Focus on Russian and Chinese Services
The retired officer, who previously oversaw intelligence operations in the Middle East, identified Russian and Chinese intelligence services as particularly active. He cited drone flights over northern Norway as examples of attempts to gauge the authorities’ response.
Northern Norway Under Pressure
The greatest pressure is focused on northern Norway, where military bases, ports, radar installations, Arctic-related infrastructure, and areas important for NATO activity and monitoring Russian movements on the Far North are located.
“More Spies Than Ever Before”
“There have never been so many spies in Norway as there are now,” Kaldager stated. He added that Norway’s openness and legal regulations that make it difficult to prosecute espionage without catching perpetrators in the act contribute to the problem.
Societal Openness and Espionage Risk
“Norwegians are a naive people. We are an open society and want to believe in the good intentions of others,” the retired officer said.
Recent Incidents
Norwegian authorities have recently reported on the tanker Apple, which performed unusual maneuvers near the strategic Globus radar in the north of the country, as well as increased disruptions to GPS and radio communication signals in the Finnmark region.
Kaldager’s Background
In the mid-1990s, Kaldager established unit E14 within Norwegian military intelligence, Etterretningstjenesten, to gather information in conflict zones where Norwegian troops might be deployed. He retired in 2004.