Globus II (AN/FPS-129 HAVE STARE) Radar Station

The Globus II radar, officially known as the AN/FPS-129 HAVE STARE, is a highly advanced space surveillance and ballistic missile tracking system. Originally developed in the United States, it was moved to Vardø, Norway, in the late 1990s as part of a cooperative agreement between the U.S. and Norwegian intelligence services. The radar is housed in a large white radome, which is a signature element of the Vardø landscape.

While the technology and initial manufacturing of the system originated with Raytheon and the U.S. Air Force, the facility is operated by the Norwegian Intelligence Service (Etterretningstjenesten). Its primary official mission is the tracking of space debris; however, it is widely recognized for its strategic role in monitoring missile activity and communications. The site remains a point of geopolitical significance due to its proximity to Russian territory, reflecting its origins as a Cold War-era asset repurposed for modern global security needs.