Norwegian subs move North
Norwegian Ula Class submarine (mil.no)
More international focus on the High North and increased Russian Navy activities in the region has made the Norwegian Defence move more subs towards the Barents Sea. In a televised reportage from NRK, Norwegian submarine crew members now tell about intelligence operations against Russian vessels.
Russian vessels have the last months on several occasions operated outside the Norwegian coast, and Norwegian authorities have now requested an explanation from Russia.
After a decade of low activities in the Barents Sea, the area is now again becoming the playground for navy interests. In a reportage from Norwegian broadcaster NRK today, Norwegian Navy officials confirm that Russian war ships the last months have stepped up activities along the Norwegian coast, and that sonar has been used against Norwegian submarines.
The Russian offensive now spurs increased Norwegian submarine activities in the region, NRK reports.
Head of the Norwegian submarine forces, Erik Bøe, says the Norwegian Navy is stepping up its presence in the High North in line with government policy. He also confirms that the submarines are cooperating closely with the Norwegian intelligence services, as well as with special task units.
Deputy Minister in the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, Espen Barth Eide, says to NRK that the government will use more resources on getting better overview over Russian activities. At the same time Norwegian authorities are reported to have requested Russia to reason the higher activities in the area.
Norway has six Ula-Class submarines.
- Russia is a Superpower again and they can patrol the Northern Sea
Posted by Scott (oxforduniversity1 AT hotmail DOT com) [2007-11-30]
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