Nordic nations revert to World War II strategies to prepare for World War III with these tactics

Time of India

29-05-2025

In 1944, during World War II, people in Kongsberg who were fighting against the Nazis used bombs to destroy a factory that was making cannons for Germany. Now, over 80 years later, Kongsberg is preparing again in case of war or sabotage, as per reports.
The local government reopened old bomb shelters, installed a satellite communication system, and is working with the military for war preparation. Odd John Resser, Kongsberg's emergency planning officer, said they learned from Ukraine that everyone needs to help, just like breweries in Ukraine made Molotov cocktails and schools were moved into shelters, according to the report by AP.
Nordic countries are increasing defense budgets and using a strategy called "total defense" where the entire society gets involved to prepare for both military and non-military threats. Russia has been blamed by Western officials for sabotage, arson, and cyberattacks across Europe since it invaded Ukraine, as per reports.
According to the report by AP, many of these incidents and made a map showing the ones clearly linked to Russia, pro-Russian groups, or Belarus. The Kremlin denies it was involved. Norway and some other Nordic countries now tell citizens to store food and water for at least 7 days. The Norwegian handbook asks people to think, What if electricity or water stops for a long time?
This company makes advanced weapons, including missiles used in Ukraine, and opened a new factory in 2024. The town might also host Western troops if there's a conflict. In May, local officials met with the military to plan logistics, health care, and more. Resser said if troops come to Norway to train or fight, the whole community would need to help.
Preparing for war also helps them prepare for other crises like pandemics, bad weather, or power cuts, like the one that hit Spain and Portugal in April. Kongsberg wasn't always this prepared, a 2007 flood and a 2016 drill with 4 days of no power made them realize they needed to act.
They did a legal risk assessment and found 30+ weak points, then spent money to fix them. They bought backup generators for town hall, hospitals, and elderly homes, and set up a satellite link to ask for help if needed. Because of cyberattack risks, local health authorities now print and save key patient data weekly.
Norway's defense minister, Tore O. Sandvik said Russia might try to sabotage energy grids, internet cables, and water supplies. Kongsberg Group's security chief, Even Tvedt, said sabotage is a real risk, someone tried to destroy fighter jet engines in 2024, drones flew where they weren't allowed, and there were attempts to breach the factory.
Tvedt said they can't always tell if these incidents are connected or just accidents, but the number of events shows sabotage is a serious concern. Redhead said Russia is now acting at a 'pre-war' level in Europe, but many people are still not mentally or physically ready for a real crisis. He said it might be necessary to start 'freaking people out' a little, so they take the threats seriously, as mentioned in the report by AP.
FAQs
Q1. What is total defense in Nordic countries?
It means the whole society, people, businesses, and local governments, helps prepare for war or other big threats.
Q2. Why is Kongsberg important if war breaks out?
It makes advanced weapons and could support Western troops in a conflict.