On 25 January 1995, a Black Brant XII rocket was launched from Andøya Space Center in Northern Norway. Norwegian authorities had notified Russian authorities of the scientific rocket campaign, and were shocked when a Russian media report alleged that a missile had been shot down by the Russian military. This simulation draws on new archival sources to shed more light on this crucial incident and its insights for risk reduction and crises in the nuclear shadow. It is especially instructive for understanding small state and alliance perspectives on crisis management, escalation risks and risk reduction efforts.
This simulation package tracks the handling of the incident as it unfolded, and its aftermath, in Oslo, Brussels and Moscow. Participants are divided into the following delegations: Norway, Russia, and NATO (missions from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Norway) and a media team. The delegations are asked to establish the facts on the ground, formulate a national position and negotiate their goals regarding the way forward, emphasizing nuclear risk reduction. The simulation can be conducted with groups ranging from 20 to 100+ students. It is recommended to spend approximately 3 to 4 hours. Prior knowledge of nuclear weapons is helpful, but not required.
Key takeaways from the simulation:
- The purpose of the simulation is for participants to get insight into a security crisis which could have escalated
- The simulation helps participants understand the security dilemma following the Andøya incident in the context of the post-Cold War era and the Chechen war
- The simulation provides an increased understanding of the asymmetrical relationship between Norway and Russia, and how NATO factors into this relationship
- The simulation draws connections between security theory, nuclear risk reduction, and the Andøya, or Norwegian rocket incident
| Audience | High school, college and university |
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Minimum Number of Participants |
20 + 3 staff + 1 lead instructor |
| Maximum Number of Participants | 150 + 8 staff + 3 lead instructors |
| Pre-meeting for state delegations (optional) | 30 minutes |
| Duration of simulation | 2 (minimum) - 4 (maximum) hours |
The simulation package is developed based on Norwegian archival sources collected and prepared by Målfrid Braut-Hegghammer. The simulation has been run three times by members of the Oslo Nuclear Project. This package is the fourth iteration prepared by the Oslo Nuclear Project.
Please inform Målfrid Braut-Hegghammer if you use the package, and if it has been a useful resource for your institution.