Norway’s defence chief says country faces daily cyberattacks

Norway is subjected to cyberattacks every day, some of which are believed to be carried out by Russia, Defence Chief Eirik Kristoffersen told Dagbladet. He said he does not fear an imminent Russian invasion because Russia is not currently capable of launching a military threat against Norway or other NATO countries.

Dagbladet interviewed Kristoffersen during Arendalsuka, a political debate event where he is taking part in several panels and discussions. He said Norway is now far better prepared militarily than it was when Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, eight years after President Vladimir Putin annexed Crimea in 2014.

“Even though Russia is not currently a military threat to Norway or other NATO countries, it is absolutely crucial that Ukraine does not lose the war and have to capitulate,” Kristoffersen said.

“The most important thing for securing our democracies is to support Ukraine and prevent Russia from taking over a free country.”

Kristoffersen said he welcomed the defence agreement in the Norwegian Parliament, where all political parties have backed plans to strengthen the armed forces. He also said he wants Ukraine to become a NATO member.

Norway under attack

Although Kristoffersen is not losing sleep over the possibility of Putin ordering Russian forces across the border at Storskog in Sør Varanger, he said Norway is already under attack.

“Every single day, there are cyberattacks against Norway and other NATO nations. We know that Russia is behind some of them. They are probably doing this to test us, both NATO unity and the unity of individual member states,” he said.

When asked what is most important for Norway’s security today, Kristoffersen pointed to support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

“They are fighting for Europe’s democracies. In addition to Ukraine, it is a fact that the armed forces were severely underfunded. We have done something about that. We have strengthened ourselves with personnel, ammunition stocks and missiles. That was absolutely necessary,” he said.

He said Norway needs more air defences, drones and long range weapons, while its naval forces must also be strengthened.

Norway has signed a contract for new submarines, and Parliament has decided that the country will have five new frigates. Contracts have already been signed for two of them. The Coast Guard also needs to be renewed, Kristoffersen said.

He described support for national defence in Norway as strong and said a credible defence was essential for the country’s security.

Trusts the United States

Kristoffersen said Ukraine is heading into its sixth winter of war and is in a very difficult situation, requiring all the military and economic support it can receive.

He said he remains confident that the United States would be reliable if a NATO country were attacked.

“The United States has rightly pointed out that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security. We are doing that by spending 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product on defence,” he said.

Kristoffersen said a visit this summer to the North American Aerospace Defense Command headquarters in Colorado Springs strengthened his belief that the close relationship between the European member states and the United States would continue.

At the same time, he said the United States is currently involved in conflicts elsewhere in the world, including the war against Iran, which could make it difficult to handle several conflicts at once.

Plans four more years

Kristoffersen has served as defence chief for six years. He confirmed to Dagbladet that he intends to remain in the position for another four years.

If he does so, he will become the longest serving defence chief in Norway’s history.