Drone Sightings Over Norwegian Oil Platform and Scandinavian Airspace Heighten Security Measures

In Norway, according to the Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, the Sleipner A platform serves as an integrated system for drilling, production, and handling of oil in the North Sea. According to police, reports of a potential drone sighting came in around 20:30 from the Equinor company.

“They spotted something that could resemble a drone. I can’t provide more details.”

According to experts, the drone sighting did not affect the platform’s operations, and the company adheres to internal safety procedures. Equinor spokesperson Magnus Fransen Eidsvoll noted that normally the company informs the police and the Norwegian Maritime Administration but does not disclose details.

“The company usually informs the police and the Norwegian Maritime Administration, but does not disclose details.”

At the same time, experts point out that drone sightings are not only an internal security matter for a specific platform, but also have implications for regional logistics and controlled airspace. In this context, companies and regional authorities are strengthening monitoring and coordination of actions.

What is known about drones over the Nordic countries

On September 22 in Copenhagen, Kastrup Airport halted arrivals and departures due to the appearance of two large drones. Routing was reviewed: over 35 flights were redirected to other airports, one aircraft made an emergency landing due to fuel shortage. Airport operations resumed at around one o’clock local time.

In the night of September 25, Aalborg Airport, which also hosts a military base, was closed due to the appearance of drones. The type and number of drones remain unknown, but this affected the actions of the armed forces. The drones were moving with navigation lights on; information about them is being clarified.

In Malmö, Sweden, drones were also spotted in the airspace on September 22, while Denmark temporarily closed its airspace due to drone flights.

In Oslo, Norway, drones were detected over the military facility – the Akershus Fortress – and over Gardermoen Airport, which was also closed. During the incidents, police detained two Singaporean nationals. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated that there were three breaches of the country’s airspace by Russia in the spring and summer of 2025.

On September 27 drones flew over the Orland military air base. The following day, due to the drone, a flight from Oslo to Bardufoss was redirected, and in another region of the country a plane was forced to return to an alternative airport. On September 29, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the country would transfer radars and drone countermeasure systems to Denmark to bolster security for European meetings in Copenhagen and the broader region.

Experts summarize: the events highlight the need for strengthened airspace monitoring, expanded intergovernmental coordination, and joint security measures to ensure energy resilience and public safety in the region.