Norway deploys anti-drone system at air base

Norway has activated its first dedicated system designed to autonomously detect, identify, and neutralize small drone threats. The Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) is now stationed at an air base near Trondheim, a facility also planned to host the Royal Norwegian Air Force's new F-35 warplanes.

Defense planners have labeled protecting these expensive aircraft on the ground as an urgent operational priority. The system's deployment responds to a sharp rise in unexplained drone activity near airports and military installations across Europe reported since late last year.

System capabilities and threats

The system uses a HAL10 launcher supplied by British firm ISS Aerospace, capable of rapidly deploying up to ten effectors. According to state broadcaster NRK, it is designed to protect bases against Class 1 drones, which can weigh as much as 150 kilograms (331 pounds).

Authorities in multiple countries have struggled to identify the source or purpose of these unmanned aircraft. Some sightings have reportedly forced temporary closures at several Danish and Norwegian airports, disrupting operations for hours.

Lars Peder Haga, an associate professor at the Norwegian Air Force Academy, explained the rationale. "Because small drones have become readily available, they … can potentially cause great damage to vulnerable and expensive systems such as aircraft that are in the open," he said. He noted that while the threat has been known for a long time, recent events have made it more immediate and relevant.

The system's automated capabilities allow it to respond considerably faster than earlier manually operated counter-drone equipment used across Norway.

Planned expansion

Norwegian defense officials plan to gradually extend C-UAS coverage to additional installations. One key site is another air base located near Evenes in the north.

That base plays a key role in Norway's quick reaction awareness initiative, which defends its airspace from unidentified aircraft threats. It also serves as a hub for monitoring and responding quickly to unidentified aircraft across the region.

Officials have not disclosed full procurement details. However, the system will reportedly gain additional sensor and effector upgrades at each site. It remains unclear precisely when the counter-drone system will become fully operational at the Evenes site.

ISS Aerospace has not publicly detailed how many additional launcher units will eventually be delivered under this expanding nationwide program. Whether this single system can adequately safeguard expensive fighter jets against a growing range of drone threats remains unclear.

Wider deployment across Norway's remaining air bases could take considerable time. This timeline may leave some facilities without dedicated protection for a while.