Norway pushes to join the EU drone wall
Norway is signaling its intention to participate in the European Union’s proposed drone wall, a coordinated defense concept designed to counter the growing threat from unmanned aerial systems (UAS). In recent discussions, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the need for a united approach with NATO, while Norway’s defense leadership engaged with EU officials to explore a constructive role for Norwegian capabilities.
What the drone wall aims to achieve
The drone wall is not described as a physical barrier along Europe’s entire border with Russia. Instead, it centers on coordinating industrial development, sharing best practices, and leveraging advanced drone defense technologies to deter and respond to drone-based threats. Norway’s defense minister, Sandvik, emphasized that the country would contribute with all available capacities, including learning from Ukraine’s experience with drone defense—regarded as one of the strongest examples of adapting to drone warfare.
Norway’s contribution and cautions
Sandvik stressed that while the strategy is still being defined, the goal is to strengthen Europe’s collective security against evolving drone threats. “We must contribute with all capacities we have,” he said, noting a need to repatriate knowledge from Ukraine’s drone defense lessons. He also clarified that the drone wall will be built in cooperation with NATO, aligning European capabilities with alliance security guarantees. The government argues that Europe must move quickly to deter cheap, ubiquitous drones with coordinated, high-tech responses rather than relying solely on expensive weaponry.
Norway faces rising drone activity at home
In parallel with EU discussions, Norway is monitoring a rise in drone activity near critical sites such as airports, military facilities, and offshore installations. Defense authorities describe it as part of broader hybrid warfare challenges facing Europe. Folloing several drone sightings in recent days, both police and military officials are investigating potential patterns and actors behind the incidents. The defense minister stressed that while drone flights are not illegal outright, operations near sensitive sites violate regulations and demand serious attention.
Domestic politics and the call for a drones strategy
At the Storting, Green Party leader Arild Hermstad argued that joining the EU drone wall is a straightforward choice for Norway, highlighting Finnmark’s vulnerability if the country remains outside the process. Meanwhile, Conservative party defense spokesperson Ine Eriksen Søreide welcomed the idea, suggesting Norway’s geographical proximity to Sweden and Finland—and to Russia—makes collaboration natural. She also pressed for a formal drones strategy and criticized the government for delays since a Storting decision, warning that the lag could leave Norway more exposed as drone technology advances.
Norway supports Denmark against drone threats
In a related move, the government announced that 15 Norwegian soldiers would assist Danish authorities during two international summits in Denmark this week, reinforcing solidarity and shared security in Europe. While Norway’s own national readiness remains intact, bilateral cooperation underscores a broader rationale: deterring drone-enabled aggression across European borders benefits all members of the alliance and the EU.
Safety first and the road ahead
Sandvik reiterated that drone operations remain legal in Norway under specific rules, with strict prohibitions near airports and other sensitive sites. If violations are confirmed, the response will be serious, regardless of the actor behind the act. The government also signaled that a national drones strategy is forthcoming, with ongoing dialogue with industry to ensure Norway is prepared for rapid technological developments. The coming weeks are expected to shape how Norway embeds itself in the EU drone wall while strengthening NATO cooperation to counter drone threats across Europe.
