In early July, several U.S. military bases in Europe were put on high alert following intelligence reports hinting at potential sabotage by groups backed by Russia.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently underscored a worrying trend of growing Russian aggression, including arson and sabotage attempts, at a summit. According to Stoltenberg, these hostile acts are part of a broad intimidation strategy by Russia to undermine support for Ukraine among allied nations. He stressed the importance of staying alert and pointed out that NATO allies are now sharing intelligence to combat these threats effectively.
More recently, the German military aid center to Ukraine, located at Köln-Wahn Air Force Base in North Rhine-Westphalia, experienced a temporary closure. This was after a hole was found in its fence close to the water treatment plant, sparking poisoning fears that were ultimately debunked.
Thomas Haldenwang, head of Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, has sounded the alarm on the escalating risk of sabotage orchestrated by the Russian state. According to Haldenwang, Russia’s readiness to carry out high-damage operations in Europe has markedly increased.
Similarly, Geilenkirchen Base, which is home to 14 E-3A AWACS early warning aircraft as part of the NATO Airborne Warning and Control Force [NAEW&C], heightened its alert level on August 22 due to a “potential threat.” A police operation was carried out immediately. While the details are still emerging, an investigation is currently underway.
In May, the Financial Times reported heightened concerns from several European intelligence officials about potential “violent sabotage operations” orchestrated by Russia. These operations would likely employ “proxies,” raising recurring security alerts.
Such concerns are indeed well-founded. In April, two German-Russian nationals were arrested on suspicion of planning to sabotage U.S. military facilities in Germany, particularly at Grafenwöhr in Bavaria, where Ukrainian soldiers receive training on M1A1 Abrams tanks.
Norway also faces its own security dilemma. An incident last April, recently made public, revealed a significant telecommunications cable at Evenes Air Force Base, regarded as critical infrastructure, was intentionally severed.
Evenes Air Force Base, located in northern Norway, is strategically significant for both Norwegian and NATO security due to its proximity to the Arctic and the Barents Sea. This region is a critical area of interest because of its rich natural resources and its strategic maritime routes, which are increasingly accessible due to melting ice. The base’s location allows for rapid deployment and monitoring of activities in these waters, which are crucial for maintaining regional stability and security.
The base plays a pivotal role in NATO’s collective defense strategy, particularly in monitoring and countering Russian naval activities. The Barents Sea is a key operational area for the Russian Northern Fleet, which includes submarines capable of launching nuclear missiles. By maintaining a strong presence at Evenes, NATO can enhance its situational awareness and readiness to respond to potential threats from Russian naval forces, including the Yasen-M-class submarines.
Evenes Air Force Base is equipped with advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, including F-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter jets and maritime patrol aircraft like the P-8 Poseidon. These assets are essential for anti-submarine warfare [ASW] operations, allowing NATO to track and deter Russian submarines that may pose a threat to the security of the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. The ability to detect and monitor submarine movements is crucial for maintaining the balance of power and ensuring the safety of NATO member states.
The base also serves as a hub for joint training and exercises between NATO allies, enhancing interoperability and coordination among member nations. This collaborative approach strengthens the alliance’s overall defense posture and ensures that forces are well-prepared to address any potential aggression from Russia. The presence of Evenes Air Force Base underscores Norway’s commitment to NATO and its role in the collective defense of the alliance.
“The damage to the cable was noted outside the base perimeter,” reported Fremover, the Norwegian newspaper that first broke the story. As of now, police have no suspects. “The investigation is complex and is now being managed by the Attorney General of Nordland,” shared a government official.
This isn’t the first time Norway has encountered such incidents. In 2022, an underwater communication cable linking Andøya to the Svalbard archipelago—home to a vital satellite-derived data collection station—was deliberately cut. A year earlier, a cable part of a Norwegian underwater surveillance network vanished. Additionally, between 2017 and 2018, Russian bombers conducted simulated attacks on radars installed on Vardø Island at least twice.
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