After the world war, two new superpowers rise to different highs and it was the start of the new cold war. As tensions rise Arctic region became the focal point for dormancies. The US and its allies were concerned about the Soviet expansion to the north. In response the Norwegian government and NATO recognized the important of Norway’s Arctic coastline. This led to a proposal for naval base near Tromsø, on 1964 detailed survey and feasibility studies begin, while main focus was on the location proximity to Arcitc waters. Later 1960s, the construction begins with advance engineering, including tunneling through solid rocks and creating submarine docks. The docks were an underworld complex hidden within mountainsides. This protected from potential nuclear strikes, but came at estimated cost of $500 millions also it can be higher.
On 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it marked the end of cold war, since then Norwegian government began cut down the operations at Olavsvern. Subsequently the naval base was decommissioned and turned into a research station. The unique infrastructure and proximity to Arctic water made it suitable for scientific study. Notably, Russian organizations such as the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) collaborated on oceanography and Arctic studies, while Rosrybolovstvo, the Federal Agency for Fisheries, partnered on sustainable fisheries management and the monitoring of shared marine resources in the Barents Sea and surrounding areas. Additionally, Roshydromet, the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring, contributed through climate monitoring and oceanographic research. However, in 2014 the military took over the base due geopolitical fallout.
After the annexation of Crimea in 2014 marked the end for peaceful research in Olavsern Naval Base, as Norwegian military took control as the tensions rise between the NATO and Russia. In the following years, the naval base was significantly updated to modernizing infrastructure for contemporary military operations. As the underground docks and tunnels was upgraded to support advanced vessels, including nuclear-powered submarines and modern surveillance systems. The facility now hosts submarines, surveillance ships, and specialized Arctic training portals and act as intelligence-gathering missions and Arctic training exercise.
As the military took control over Olavsern, a Russian diplomat, Sergey Petrov responded with
“The return of Olavsern to military use reflects NATO’s aggressive intentions in a region that should remain a zone of peaceful cooperation.”
Tensions further de-escalated after 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. The American requested Norwegian government for access, but it was granted with limited access to Olavsvern for joint exercise and patrols. A U.S. Navy official, Rear Admiral James Parker commented
“The Arctic is a critical theater for global security, and facilities like Olavsvern are indispensable for maintaining stability in the region.”
Now Russia have changed it nuclear policy, which allow it strike nuclear missiles if it feel threatened. If a conflict arise between NATO and Russia Olavsvern would be critical asset to Norway. Its capabilities allow it to support operations such as intelligence gathering, naval patrols, and the deployment of military assets to protect the region’s airspace, maritime lanes, and boarders. Furthermore, it can play crucial support role in logistical and operations hub for Arctic to monitor the Russian in the region.
