On Russia’s doorstep, Norway goes ‘total defence’ mode
Norway has entered a state of 'total defence' in response to the heightened threat from Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The government is preparing its population for potential war by upgrading civil defense measures, including air raid shelters and increasing the number of civil defense personnel. Citizens are being encouraged to stock supplies and municipalities are required to establish local preparedness councils.
- ▪Norway has approximately 18,600 shelters that can protect nearly 50% of its population.
- ▪The government aims to increase civil defense personnel by 50% to 12,000 and raise food self-sufficiency to 50% by 2030.
- ▪Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store has warned that 'war could once again come to Norway'.
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On Russia’s doorstep, Norway goes ‘total defence’ modeSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxA tunnel in one of Oslo's largest bomb shelter in Hanshaugen, Oslo, on May 18. PHOTO: AFPPublished May 23, 2026, 03:10 PMUpdated May 23, 2026, 03:10 PMOSLO - War is now a possibility in Norway, by the prime minister’s own admission. The country, which borders Russia, has gone into “total defence” mode, preparing its population for the worst in light of the fighting in Ukraine.Dug beneath a peaceful park, the St Hanshaugen air raid shelter, one of Oslo’s largest, can take in 1,100 people behind its heavy metal doors if ever the worst comes to pass.The air is chilly, the lights dim and the toilets basic: it is far from cosy, but is designed to protect against the threat of bombings…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.