KONGSBERG, Norway (AP) – In 1944, Norwegian resistance fighters in Kongsberg sabotaged a factory producing cannons for the occupying Nazi forces during World War II. Fast forward more than 80 years, and the town is once again bracing for potential conflict as local authorities prepare for various military threats.
The municipality of Kongsberg is taking significant measures to enhance its readiness for war. This includes reviving Cold War-era bomb shelters, installing a modern satellite communications system, and collaborating with the military to facilitate the deployment of Western forces if needed. Odd John Resser, Kongsberg’s Emergency Planning Officer, emphasized the community’s role in preparedness by reflecting on the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.
In response to increasing tensions with Russia, governments across the Nordic nations are amplifying their defense expenditures and reassessing security strategies. The concept of "total defense," which engages the entire community in safeguarding against military and non-military threats, is gaining traction. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre articulated the urgency of this strategy, stating that the situation in Ukraine should serve as a warning for Europe to bolster its defenses.
In January, Norway announced its plan to integrate bomb shelters into new buildings, a practice previously abandoned in 1998. Likewise, Sweden established its first civil defense minister following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, mandating citizens aged 16 to 70 to serve during war threats in various support roles. Finland, noted for its civil defense shelters, designed facilities to accommodate 86% of its population, with locations like Helsinki housing up to 6,000 people and featuring extensive amenities against nuclear fallout.
Norwegian residents are also encouraged to maintain sufficient food and water supplies for a week. While many Kongsberg residents admit they are not fully stocked, a few report that they could survive an extended supply interruption, highlighting a local commitment to readiness amid rising tensions with Russia.
Kongsberg's strategic position — 85 kilometers southwest of Oslo and home to the Kongsberg Group, a high-precision weapons manufacturer — makes it a potential focal point in any conflict. Local authorities are proactively planning to support Western troops should they be deployed in response to an escalation in the region. Resser indicated that the community would face significant responsibilities in logistics and healthcare for supporting allied forces.
To bolster its resilience against various threats—from military action to more likely issues such as pandemics and extreme weather—Kongsberg has undertaken comprehensive risk assessments since past crises, including a significant flood in 2007. Investments made in contingency plans have furnished strategic locations with emergency power supplies and enhanced communication systems. In light of cybersecurity concerns, local health authorities have instituted protocols for regular data backups to ensure continuity of care in case of a cyberattack.
The situation is underscored by rising concerns regarding sabotage linked to Russia's activities in Europe. Norway’s Defense Minister, Tore O. Sandvik, noted an uptick in threats from Moscow, emphasizing the potential for attacks on critical infrastructure. These warnings resonate with Even Tvedt, Chief Security Officer at Kongsberg Group, who reported suspicious incidents implying risks of sabotage, which seem to be growing in frequency.
Experts stress that the urgent need for heightened awareness and preparation extends beyond immediate neighbors of Russia, signaling that the threat landscape is more widespread. The Kongsberg community's preparedness reflects a broader shift towards comprehensive local empowerment in crisis response, ensuring that residents and local authorities play a central role in managing emergencies effectively.
