The United States has deployed an Mk 70 launcher in Norway designed to fire short- and medium-range missiles, according to commentators from the Chinese outlet 360kuai.

The publication noted that positioning the system close to Russia’s borders reduces missile flight time and gives Moscow less time to detect a potential threat and respond.

Chinese analysts pointed out that while intercontinental missiles launched from the United States would require considerably more time to reach their targets, missiles based in Norway could reach Russian territory within minutes.

Russia has reacted sharply to the deployment. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the placement of the Mk 70 as a direct threat and said Norway had consequently drawn increased attention from Russia’s strategic deterrence forces.

The Chinese outlet argued that under such circumstances, NATO facilities located on Norwegian territory could become potential targets if tensions escalate further.

The commentators also did not rule out retaliatory measures by Moscow. One possible response they identified was the deployment of Russian missile systems closer to the Norwegian border. In that scenario, Norway could no longer be regarded as part of NATO’s deep rear and would instead become an area facing greater risk in the event of a potential conflict.