U.S. eyes return to secret Arctic base amid rising tensions
Americans are considering the possibility of returning to the impressive Olavsvern complex, which could support U.S. underwater operations in the Arctic. This complex, located near Tromsø and formerly a base for the Norwegian Navy and NATO allies, takes advantage of the natural terrain. Carved out of a mountain, its expansive area of about 269,000 square feet allows for a variety of operations.
Numerous military bases worldwide utilize natural terrain, providing additional protection and strategic advantages in the event of an enemy attack. Examples include the Cheyenne Mountain complex, a U.S. Army facility in Colorado housed inside a mountain; the Iranian underground military base "Eagle 44" (or "Oqab 44"), reportedly located beneath mountains; and the Zeljava Airbase, built in the Yugoslav era and considered one of the largest underground airbases in Cold War Europe.
Olavsvern - a base carved in the mountain
The Norwegian Olavsvern complex can also be added to this list. It's a former Norwegian naval base situated about 9 miles south of Tromsø, near the entrance to Ramfjord. Construction began in 1967, lasted nearly 40 years, and cost almost four billion Norwegian kroner. Partially carved out of rock, the structure boasts an area of approximately 269,000 square feet. The base includes workshops, offices, ammunition depots, and a 1,115-foot long dry dock for submarines, capable of accommodating six vessels simultaneously. It also features external docks for larger ships and a 2,953-foot long tunnel leading into its interior.
During the Cold War, Olavsvern played a critical role as a secret naval base in the Arctic, serving both the Norwegian Navy and NATO forces. Its design allowed allied ships to suddenly appear at sea, creating confusion among enemies. However, in 2002, the complex lost its status as an orlogsstasjon (naval station), and by 2009, it was closed by the government led by Jens Stoltenberg. Three years later, Norwegian authorities sold the base for 38 million kroner (3.3 million dollars) to Olavsvern Group Ltd, which aimed to repurpose it as a service base for drilling platforms and equipment.
After the sale, the base was leased to various entities, including firms linked to Russia's Gazprom, causing concern among many military experts. In 2019, a subsidiary of Wilhelmsen Group, WilNor Governmental Services Ltd, acquired a 66% stake in Olavsvern Group Ltd at the request of the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation (FLO). This acquisition allowed the Norwegian armed forces and their allies to resume using the base.
American plans in the Arctic
In 2020, information emerged about plans to use Olavsvern as a base for American submarines, the last of which docked there in 2009. The War Zone noted that since then, the Americans have visited the complex several times and held discussions about potentially leasing the facility. Inquiries to officials from both the U.S. and Norway about this possibility were met with denials of any formal agreement. However, this does not preclude further American efforts to return to Olavsvern.
The War Zone highlights that access to the complex could enhance U.S. Navy operations in the Arctic, primarily due to its advantageous location for patrolling the nearby Barents Sea and Arctic region—waters extensively used by the Russian fleet.
Furthermore, Olavsvern is a ready facility equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support and maintain nuclear-powered submarines. The Americans could utilize this facility without the need to construct a new base or refurbish an existing one. Establishing a presence at Olavsvern would also demonstrate significant U.S. commitment in the Arctic, a region that holds strategic interests for both Russia and the United States.
