The Swedish 44th Clearance Diver Division has participated in the NATO-led exercise Arctic Specialist 2026 in Kjevik, Norway. The exercise was conducted under harsh winter conditions alongside American and Norwegian Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, according to the Swedish Armed Forces.
– The severe weather, with temperatures dropping below minus 20 degrees Celsius, provides us with a good opportunity to test the units' tactics, techniques, and procedures, says Lieutenant Commander David Marmbäck, tactics chief at the Clearance Diver Division.
The focus during the exercise has been on qualified ammunition clearance in an Arctic marine environment. Participating units included American EOD operators from Mobile Unit 8 and the Norwegian Minedykkerkommandoen (Mine Clearance Diver Command).
The exercise was conducted in challenging terrain, both above and below the water surface. According to David Marmbäck, the combination of weather, physical strain, technical risks from ammunition, and a simulated threat scenario creates a complex environment for personnel and materiel.
– Together with the threat from the enemy and the technical threat from the ammunition, a complex environment emerges to operate in. Under such conditions, it quickly becomes clear what works and what needs to be developed, says David Marmbäck.
Autonomous and remotely operated systems have been a recurring feature during the exercise. All participating nations have used unmanned vehicles to locate and clear ammunition. The technological development in this area is assessed to be rapid, with a focus on reducing risks for personnel while increasing efficiency.