Norway’s Ex-Defense Chief Denies knowledge of Russian Role in Military Comms Upgrade

Former Chief of Defense of Norway, Haakon Bruun-Hanssen, stated he had no prior knowledge of Russian developers being involved in the upgrade of the Armed Forces’ joint operative VHF chain, a critical communication system. This system is used by the Norwegian military, including special forces, to secure connections, particularly for operations on oil and gas installations along the Norwegian coast. the revelation has sparked concerns about potential security vulnerabilities within Norway’s defense infrastructure.

Key Developments in the Norwegian Military Comms System

The upgrade of the VHF chain, managed by the Horten-based company Skisim, began in 2014. The aim was to enhance connectivity for special forces operating on the Norwegian continental shelf. Recent reports from Gjengangeren, NRK, and Nettavisen have highlighted the involvement of Russian developers in the system’s advancement, a fact Bruun-hanssen claims he only learned about through the media.

Did You Know? The Norwegian continental shelf holds significant oil and gas reserves, making its security a top priority for the nation.

Bruun-hanssen’s Response

“I didn’t know. Never heard of it before I read about it in the media last week,” Bruun-Hanssen stated, expressing surprise at the news. When asked if he would have taken action had he been aware of the Russian involvement at the time, he responded emphatically: “Yes, definitely. We were very aware that we should not have systems where the Chinese could have back doors. And at least the Russians were not better. We would have certainly reacted to that if I had known it, yes.”

Company’s Perspective

The technology company responsible for the solution, Vissim, asserts that the Armed Forces were consistently informed about their development department in Russia. Vissim has provided documentation, including annual reports, newspaper interviews, and website screenshots, to support their claim.

Pro Tip: Transparency in supply chains and vendor relationships is crucial for maintaining robust security in defense systems.

Wider Challenges in Defense systems

Bruun-Hanssen acknowledged broader challenges within the Armed Forces’ information systems, particularly in “command and control.” These issues have been repeatedly flagged by the Office of the auditor General (OAG). While he denies direct notification of specific security lapses during his tenure, he admits to awareness of “deficiencies and not sufficient quality during periods.”

Expert Opinions and Cyber Defense Assurance

Experts have criticized the procurement process, suggesting it should have been halted upon discovering Russian involvement. Tor Ivar Strømmen, head teacher at the Naval War School, believes the threat landscape has remained consistent as 2014. However, the Cyber Defense unit maintains the system’s security. Major General halvor Johansen, head of Cyber Defense, stated that the joint operative VHF chain is a closed system, not connected to the internet, and that there is no current Russian involvement. He added that the Armed forces continuously work to improve system security through risk assessments and vulnerability mitigation, aligning with current cybersecurity best practices.

According to Statista, global spending on cybersecurity is projected to reach $215.75 billion in 2024, highlighting the increasing importance of digital defense ^[1].

Stricter Security Measures Post-Crimea Annexation

Following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Norway implemented stricter security assessments for military personnel. Individuals