Davis Cup in Trondheim

The Trøndelag / Trondheim news of the last 48 hours is dominated by 2 key events: the Davis Cup tennis tie between Norway and China, played this weekend in Trondheim, and a test of international cooperation around the F-35 conducted from the Norwegian Air Force's combat school. These stories combine sport, defence and local life in Trøndelag county.

Trøndelag / Trondheim news: the Davis Cup on a temporary clay court

Norway faces China in the Davis Cup this weekend in Trondheim. The Norwegian team, led by Casper Ruud and Nicolai Budkov Kjær, has gathered in the city to prepare for the tie. The choice of court is not incidental: a temporary clay court has been installed at Trondheim Spektrum, with a surface identical to that of Roland Garros, reports NRK Trøndelag / Trondheim.

Nicolai Budkov Kjær, described by NRK as the second-best Norwegian player, reacted with a smile when asked whether Norway had already gained an advantage from the choice of surface. 'I don't really know what to say to that,' he said. The sporting stakes are clear: a victory could allow the county to aim for promotion to the higher level and qualification for what the tennis world calls the Davis Cup finals, or 'VM i tennis' according to NRK Trøndelag / Trondheim.

The match is taking place at Trondheim Spektrum, transformed for the occasion. NRK Trøndelag / Trondheim states that the clay court was laid specially for this match. The choice of this surface is presented as a strategy by the Norwegian team, which hopes to exploit its players' qualities on clay. The clash against China is the major sporting event of these 48 hours in Trøndelag.

Trøndelag news: the F-35 and 'Capacity on Call'

In defence, the Norwegian Air Force's combat school, nicknamed 'Top Gun-skolen', is testing a new framework for international cooperation around the F-35. The agreement is called 'Capacity on Call'. It covers the use of aircraft, maintenance and, in part, weapons, according to NRK Trøndelag / Trondheim.

5 countries are taking part in this arrangement. The aim is to allow each partner to quickly request an aircraft, equipment, a technician or qualified personnel to prepare an F-35. 'The effect of Capacity on Call is that 5 countries can cooperate smoothly across the entire F-35 value chain, that is, pilots, aircraft, technicians and weapons,' explains brigadier Thomas Orud Harlem, head of the Luftforsvarets våpenskole, quoted by NRK Trøndelag / Trondheim.

The Forsvaret points out that none of the 5 countries alone has enough aircraft and personnel to cover all its needs at all times. The arrangement must therefore improve the use of total capacity. For Trøndelag, this trial reflects increasingly integrated defence activity among allies.

Transport and local life in Trøndelag

The Local Norway reports a rail strike in Norway and publishes a list of affected routes. Train users in Trøndelag should consult this list before planning a trip to other regions. The same source recalls the Norwegian rules on campfires in autumn, a practical topic for outings in the county.

The Local Norway also offers a word of the day, 'Høstjevndøgn', related to the autumn equinox. This period corresponds to shorter days and cooler temperatures, including in Trondheim. This practical information complements the Trøndelag / Trondheim news of the period.

📌 Local briefs

On Wednesday morning, 4 gravestones at Saupstad cemetery were covered in blue paint. Gunnar Hansen, head of cemeteries at the Kirkelig fellesråd in Trondheim, condemns 'unacceptable conduct' (NRK Trøndelag / Trondheim).

Police are investigating 18 incidents of vandalism in Trondheim: 8 gravestones at Tiller kirke, 4 at Kolstad kirke and 6 vehicles in the Tiller area. Per Ivar Olsen, station chief in Heimdal, speaks of traces and concrete information (NRK Trøndelag / Trondheim).

In Oppdal, a motorcycle crashed before 8 am on Riksvei 70 near Lønset. The person involved was transported by air to St. Olavs hospital. Next of kin were notified. The road was closed in both directions and then reopened after the technicians had been through (NRK Trøndelag / Trondheim).

Adresseavisen reports that a children's cup was cancelled, with apologies to the many participants, and that a shop removed a video after reactions (Adresseavisen, 18 September). The newspaper also mentions fuel prices that do not go up and down like a yo-yo (Adresseavisen, 18 September).

Sources: NRK Trøndelag / Trondheim, Adresseavisen, The Local Norway — Period: 18 September 2026 and 19 September 2026