The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) and the military have issued a call for civilians to remain vigilant as NATO prepares for its Cold Response exercise, starting next week. The exercise is expected to draw attention from foreign intelligence services, notably Russian, which have shown increased interest in NATO activities amid rising geopolitical tensions. PST encourages the public to report any unusual or suspicious observations, emphasizing the potential for espionage during such large-scale military exercises.

Major Lars Lervik, head of the Norwegian Army, highlighted that while foreign nations have historically monitored NATO exercises, the current security situation is more precarious than it has been for years. This announcement comes after specific intelligence has indicated that Russian operatives are likely to increase their surveillance activities targeting allied military maneuvers. Approximately 25,000 personnel from 14 NATO countries will take part in various operations involving ground, sea, and air forces, making it critical for Norway to ensure operational security.

Atle Tangen, the head of counterintelligence at PST, revealed that there have been concrete instances of intelligence activities aimed at observing the Cold Response exercise. He stated that it is clear Russian intelligence finds such NATO exercises intriguing and important. This revelation underscores the importance of public awareness and engagement in safeguarding national security during an exercise of this magnitude, as tensions and conflicts escalate in the region.