Norrbotten, Sweden – Swedish police are warning of the increased risk of espionage activity as large-scale military exercises, including the ongoing Cold Response 2026, take place across northern Sweden. The exercises, which commenced on Monday, are bringing heightened levels of air traffic and troop movements to the region, drawing the attention of foreign powers seeking to gather sensitive information.
The Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Police Authority are considered attractive targets for intelligence gathering, according to authorities. The primary concern centers around the potential for foreign actors to acquire details regarding protected sites, operational procedures, and military equipment. This warning comes as Vintersol 2026, a preparatory exercise for Cold Response, has recently concluded.
Cold Response 2026, a major multinational military exercise, is being conducted from March 9th to March 19th, 2026, involving troops from 14 allied nations, including Norway, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Finland, with approximately 25,000 soldiers participating. Around 11,800 will be exercising on Norwegian ground, although the remainder will operate at sea and in the air, with additional troops exercising in Finland, according to the Norwegian Armed Forces website.
Vintersol 2026: A Stepping Stone to Cold Response
Prior to the commencement of Cold Response, the Swedish Armed Forces conducted Vintersol 2026, an annual exercise held in northern Sweden, concluding on February 25th, 2026. This year’s iteration took place primarily at the Armed Forces’ training and firing ranges around Boden and at the Lombens firing range near Kalix. Over 3,500 soldiers, officers, and civilian employees participated in Vintersol, focusing on battalion-level coordination within a high-conflict national scenario according to the Swedish Armed Forces.
Vintersol 2026 specifically aimed to develop the winter warfare capabilities of the participating units, particularly the Fourth Brigade, which is slated to participate in Cold Response in northern Finland from March 9th to March 22nd. The Skaraborg Brigade similarly participated in winter warfare training in Boden in preparation for Cold Response 2026 as reported by Boden Nytt.
Increased Military Activity in Norrbotten
The ongoing military exercises are expected to significantly increase both air and ground traffic throughout Norrbotten. The Swedish Transport Administration has issued warnings regarding potential disruptions to traffic flow and increased noise levels due to the heightened military activity. The County Administrative Board of Norrbotten has also issued information regarding military transports and air operations related to Cold Response.
The purpose of Cold Response 2026 is to contribute to deterrence, strengthen Norwegian and allied defense capabilities, and reassure the population by demonstrating NATO’s ability to defend the Alliance’s northern flank. The exercise is led by a Norwegian–US headquarters established at Reitan, near Bodø.
Focus on Interoperability and NATO Integration
Cold Response 2026 is being conducted as a multi-domain operation, coordinating military effects across land, maritime, air, cyber, and space. A key objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability among allied forces and to support the integration of Finland and Sweden into NATO. The exercise is seen as an important element in maintaining stability and collective security in the region, particularly given the current geopolitical climate characterized by increased tension and unpredictability.
As the exercises continue, authorities are urging vigilance and encouraging the public to report any suspicious activity. The increased presence of military personnel and equipment, coupled with the potential for foreign intelligence operations, necessitates heightened awareness and cooperation between the authorities and the local population.
The completion of Vintersol and the commencement of Cold Response mark a significant period of military activity in the Nordic region. The focus now shifts to the successful execution of Cold Response and the continued development of collaborative defense capabilities among NATO allies. Further updates on the exercise and any related security concerns will be provided as they become available.
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