Norway has stepped up surveillance around its remote Arctic islands of Svalbard amid concern that Russia is testing NATO’s defences in the far north, Politico reported on September 28.

The Norwegian Police Security Service is closely monitoring Russian-flagged “research” vessels operating near Svalbard, where undersea communications and power cables remain a particular worry. Two cables in the area were damaged in 2022, and officials fear further hybrid sabotage.

Oslo has increased its military and coastguard presence in the archipelago, which sits between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Svalbard is Norwegian territory, but a 1920 treaty grants citizens of signatory states, including Russia, the right to live and work there.

The heightened alert follows months of Russian drone and airspace incursions elsewhere in Europe, and officials say the Arctic has become a front line in Moscow’s campaign of deniable pressure on the alliance.

Officials in Oslo declined to give operational details, but said the measures are precautionary and coordinated with NATO allies. Moscow has denied any hostile intent around Svalbard, calling the patrols routine.