Camilla Jessen
Police launch an investigation.
Norwegian authorities are investigating an unidentified drone sighted over the Sleipner gas field in the North Sea on the evening of September 29.
This was reported by VG.
Drone Detected by Offshore Staff
Employees at the Equinor-operated Sleipner complex reported the drone to authorities.
Police representative Roger Litlatun confirmed the sighting, noting that there is currently no confirmed link to any state actor.
Sleipner Gas Field Overview
The Sleipner complex includes several key offshore gas and condensate fields—Sleipner Ost, Sleipner Vest, and satellite fields Loke, Gungne, and Alfa Nord—located west of Egersund.
Discovered in 1984, the fields are central to Norway’s offshore energy production.
Heightened Drone Concerns
Drone surveillance near critical infrastructure has been a growing concern since 2022, when Norwegian authorities installed sensors following unauthorized drone activity at more than 10 oil and gas facilities.
Regional Airspace Tensions
The drone sighting occurs amid heightened geopolitical tensions in Europe.
In recent weeks, unauthorized drones and aircraft have violated the airspace of multiple NATO member states, including Denmark, Poland, Romania, and Estonia.
Recent Airspace Incidents
In early September, Polish forces shot down several Russian drones entering their airspace.
A Russian drone was detected over Romanian territory shortly after, though it was not engaged.
On September 19, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets briefly entered Estonian airspace for 12 minutes before being intercepted by NATO forces.
Previous Drone Disruptions
Recent drone activity has also affected civilian infrastructure.
Oslo Airport in Norway and Copenhagen Airport in Denmark were temporarily closed as a precaution due to unauthorized drone sightings.
Investigation Underway
Norwegian authorities are analyzing intelligence data to determine the drone’s type, origin, and potential intent.
Security measures at offshore facilities remain heightened while the investigation continues.
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, which may have used AI in the preparation
