Russia flags 'temporary danger zone' over Norwegian territories: Possible links to rocket debris

"Temporary danger zone" - this is the content of the NOTAM intended for pilots, released by Russia for a nearly 56-mile stretch along the Varanger fjord's outer region in Norway. This warning is scheduled to be in effect from December 21 to December 25, Eastern Time.

Norway's online newspaper, The Barents Observer, reported that the notice included a statement: "Area of impact for Russian missiles". The NOTAM also issues a warning for the Norwegian exclusive economic zone that lies between Bear Island and Svalbard, in the Barents Sea.

The Barents Observer confirms that no space launches have been announced for this period. Nonetheless, the warnings may be linked to potential rocket debris from a launch transferring one or more Arctic satellites into orbit. Russia was projected to launch the Soyuz 2.1 rocket on December 16, Eastern Time.

The NOTAM warnings encompass the airspace along the 14-mile extension beyond the Norwegian border, which is beyond the reach of the military radars in Vardø. The radar complex has long been a source of tension between Russia and Norway. Moscow harbors concerns that the radar could be used for detecting intercontinental ballistic missiles and observing the activities of the Northern Fleet.

The Barents Observer reveals that Russian submarines, equipped with ballistic missiles, are positioned in Gadzhiyevo, which is only about 93 miles east of the radar system located in Vardø.