ABOARD THE KVSORTLAND — NATOally Norway announced it was increasing the number of naval patrols around vital undersea pipelines off its coast and released a trove exclusively to NBC News that illustrated what it considers a growing Russian threat in the Arctic.
The Royal Norwegian Air Force provided videos that capture the high-stakes game between the militaries. Russian attack submarines were seen patrolling near an undersea network of pipelines transporting vast quantities of natural gas to Europe, and telecommunication cables linking Europe with America.
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According to the Royal Norwegian Navy’s head, the videos show that Russian attack planes and submarines have increased their presence in the High North. They are operating near Norway’s natural gas pipelines, which provide a vital energy source for Europe.
“We have seen an increase in military activity in Norway’s High North and North Atlantic. “We have seen Russian submarines operate differently than they did 10 year ago,” Rear Admiral Rune Andersen stated last week from the bridge at the Haakonsvern Navy Base in Bergen.
Norway released video of a Russian surveillance aircraft off its coast.
Norwegian Government
He didn’t quantify how much Russian activity had increased over the past year.
There have been more Russian patrols. Their behavior has changed too, with them “operating less predictably” and some maneuvers appearing “more aggressive,” Andersen said.
A NBC News team accompanied the Norwegian Coast Guard ship KV Sortland on patrol last week in the North Sea. The 25-member crew kept an eye on gas installations as they battled heavy winds, cold temperatures, and rough seas.
As tensions between NATO, Russia and NATO rose after the invasion by Ukraine, military activity soared. Norway became the top supplier of natural gas to Europe after a dramatic drop in Russian natural gas flow. Norway, backed by NATO allies, has increased security for its vast network of communication cables and pipelines off its coast since last year’s unproven attack on the Nord Stream gas pipe linking Russia to Germany.
In an interview in Oslo, Anniken Huitfeldt, Norwegian Foreign Minister, stated that “after the explosions we have actually increased [our presence] over these installations.” “Now, we must protect the entire infrastructure system as well as the installations at sea.”
She added, “We are ready for everything.”
Norway has more than 5,000 miles worth of pipelines and supplies 30-40% of Europe’s natural gasoline needs. This is a significant increase from the 20% that was required before the invasion of Ukraine. The North Sea’s undersea cables are part of an important global communication network that allows data to move around the globe.
Russia’s military in Ukraine has experienced serious setbacks, and Western officials claim that it continues to be plagued with logistical and morale issues. Andersen stated that Russia’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet is still a threat, with most of it being based at the Murmansk military station near Norway.
“The war in Ukraine has not affected the submarines or the maritime and air capabilities (Russian) of the northern fleet… He said that it was still intact.
The videos, which were released to NBC News, show one submarine’s periscope peeking through the water. They also include footage of Yasen-class attack subs and a Borei class submarine that can carry 16 nuclear-armed missiles. Images also show Tupolev TU-142 surveillance planes and Ilyushin II-38 surveillance aircraft designed to track submarines.
Analysts say Russia has made its submarine fleet quieter and less lethal by investing heavily. The new Belgorod submarine can carry huge, 80-foot-long nuclear bombers, as well small submarines that can be used for research or rescue. However, military experts believe the smaller submersibles could also be used to cut cables and pipelines on the ocean floor.
‘Suspicious activity’
Norwegian officers stated that Russian ships, aircraft, and submarines were seen in the region conducting surveillance on the gas pipelines.
“They are in this area. They’re returning and forth more than once. They are following the pipeline,” said Comdr. Tirrell Herland, a spokesperson for the Norwegian navy, called it “suspicious”
