Norwegian PM reveals Russia entered national airspace three times in 2025

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said on September 23 that Russia has violated Norwegian airspace on three occasions this year, describing the incidents as “serious” despite their brief duration and remote locations.

“Russia has violated Norwegian airspace on three occasions this year. The incidents in Norway are less grave in terms of location and duration than those that took place in Estonia, Poland and Romania. However, they are still serious incidents, Støre said in the joint statement by the Norwegian Foreign Ministry and Prime Minister’s office, Caliber.Az reports. 

According to the premier, two of the airspace violations occurred over the sea northeast of Vardø, while the third took place over an uninhabited area along the land border in eastern Finnmark. 

“The airspace violations lasted approximately one to four minutes. We have not been able to ascertain whether these airspace violations were intentional or the result of navigational error. Regardless of the reason, this is not acceptable, and we have made this clear to Russian authorities,” he stressed. 

The three incidents follow a decade-long period without any violations of Norwegian airspace. According to the prime minister, the incidents took place in April, July and August.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came as NATO issued a broader condemnation of Russia’s airspace violations in Europe, including those in Estonia, Poland, and Romania. 

“NATO stands united and condemns Russia’s airspace violations against Estonia, Poland and Romania. This is irresponsible and unacceptable conduct over Allied territory. These incidents occur in an already serious security situation,” Støre said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide added that Norway has engaged directly with Russian authorities to prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of escalation. According to him, the Norwegian parliament and its allies in NATO have been informed.

“We have also requested Russia to provide explanations for the violations of Norwegian airspace. Even if these incidents were due to navigational error, as a result of Russia operating with too small a margin of error, Russia has a responsibility to act in a way that prevents misunderstandings and mistakes. If Russia has intentionally violated the airspace of multiple countries, then this is a very serious situation indeed,” Eide said.

The Norwegian government said it will continue to monitor airspace closely and coordinate with NATO allies in response to ongoing Russian activity.

By Sabina Mammadli