At the gates of Russia, Norway enters total defense mode: News

In the far North, neighboring Russia, Norway is now considering the possibility of war, as even the Prime Minister admits. In light of the conflict in Ukraine, Norway is shifting to “total defense mode”, preparing its population for the worst.

Hidden beneath a tranquil park, the St. Hanshaugen anti-aircraft shelter in Oslo, one of the largest in the city, will accommodate 1,100 people behind its heavy metal doors when needed. The shelter, with its chilly air, pale light, and basic facilities, is not a luxurious accommodation, but it is designed to protect against potential nuclear, radiological, biological, or chemical threats.

“We currently have about 18,600 shelters, covering just under 50% of the country’s population” of 5.6 million inhabitants, explains àistein Knudsen, head of the Norwegian civil defense. Many of these shelters need to be modernized as they were built during the Cold War era and are damp and outdated.

As a member of NATO, Norway aims to reinstate the obligation to equip new major buildings with anti-aircraft shelters, a requirement that was lifted in 1998 as a “peace dividend” following the collapse of the USSR.

The idea is not to build expensive shelters, but to offer basic protection against threats like drones that are now prevalent on battlefields.

“My Ukrainian colleagues are fighting an existential war on their own territory, yet they still find time to share their experiences,” notes Øistein Knudsen. Listening to their stories about attacks on civilians and operating as a civil defense force in times of war provides invaluable insight.

Gone are the days of carefree living. The construction of shelters is one of the 100 proposals made last year in a White Paper. The government also plans to increase the civil defense force by 50% to 12,000 members, require all municipalities to establish a “local preparedness council”, and increase food self-sufficiency to 50% by 2030. Households are urged to stock up on supplies to last seven days.

For decades, Norway has been able to prioritize resources for other purposes. However, as the security situation deteriorates, preparations must now include worst-case scenarios like war.

The year 2026 has been dubbed the year of “total defense”, aiming to prepare all sectors of society – military, government, businesses – for a major crisis or war.

Current threats, including climate crises, power struggles between major nations, the war in Ukraine, the Middle East, and pandemics, are more diverse than they were 20 years ago, according to crisis management expert Jarle Løwe Sørensen. While progress is being made in preparedness efforts, bureaucratic, legal, and organizational obstacles can hinder the effectiveness of the system.

In Oslo, awareness levels vary among citizens. Some, like 51-year-old entrepreneur Øystein Ringen Vatnedalen, have emergency kits prepared with cash, radios, and water, following authorities’ recommendations. Others, like 48-year-old sustainable development consultant Käthe Hermstad, prioritize building a supportive network of friends and community members.

A study by the civil defense shows that 37% of Norwegians have enhanced their preparedness in the past year, but only 21% fear a war breaking out on Norwegian soil within the next five years.