China-linked rental car crisis in Norwegian military exercises
The use of China-linked vehicles in Norwegian military exercises has sparked security debates, with Turkey's measures at defense facilities cited as an example.
The use of China-linked rental vehicles by the Norwegian Armed Forces in exercises has ignited data security debates, while security precautions such as barring foreign electric vehicles from Turkey's defense industry facilities have found widespread resonance in the Norwegian press.
Rental Car Crisis in the Norwegian Military
The use by the Norwegian Armed Forces of vehicles rented from a company connected to Chinese capital in its operational activities has sparked information security debates in the country.
Chinese Holding and Car Rental Agreement
It has been claimed that the ownership chain behind the rental car contract provided by Hertz Norge extends to China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.
Sensitive Data Recorded During Exercises
It was alleged that the camera systems of some vehicles used in the September 2026 exercise recorded soldiers' movements and displayed access codes for military facilities.
Security Conditions and Official Statement
While Norwegian defense authorities kept the security conditions in the contract confidential, an army spokesperson stated that there is no general ban on vehicles from manufacturers in specific countries.
Turkey's Defense Facility Precautions
These ongoing discussions brought back to the agenda the statements by TEI General Manager Mahmut Faruk Akşit that foreign electric vehicles are not permitted on campuses at Turkey's defense industry facilities.
Importance of Software and Hardware Control
Mahmut Faruk Akşit emphasized that sensors and cameras in foreign vehicles harbor critical risks, whereas at facilities in Turkey, control rests entirely within domestic systems.