Norway Reactivates Cold War Bunkers to Counter Growing Russian Threat in the Arctic

• Norway is reopening Cold War-era bunkers amid rising tensions with Russia.
• Bardufoss Air Station and Olavsvern naval base are being restored for defense.
• Russia, Sweden, China, and Iran are also expanding underground military sites.

Norway is reopening two Cold War-era military bunkers as tensions with Russia increase, according to a report by BBC. The Bardufoss Air Station and Olavsvern naval base, once used for defense against the Soviet Union, are being restored to strengthen Norway’s military preparedness.

During the Cold War, Norway built around 3,000 underground military facilities. Many were later abandoned, but with Russia’s rising military activities and the Ukraine war, Norway is bringing them back into operation.

Bardufoss Air Station, located north of the Arctic Circle, was used to protect fighter jets inside mountain shelters. It has been upgraded to safeguard Norway’s F-35 jets against modern threats, including drones.

Olavsvern naval base, built inside a mountain and surrounded by thick rock, was once a key NATO facility to monitor Russian naval movements. It was sold to private investors in 2013 but repurchased in 2020. The US Navy is now interested in using it for nuclear submarines.

Russia has reopened 50 Cold War military sites in the Arctic. Sweden, China, and Iran are also expanding underground defense facilities. Experts warn that restoring these bunkers is expensive, and some may be compromised after years of private use.

ALSO READ: ” Spain, Norway, and Ireland Recognise Palestinian State Amidst International Tensions”