Norway and NATO Conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercises

Over the next two weeks, the exercise Arctic Dolphin 26 will be conducted in Vestlandet, Norway. Norwegian and allied forces, including one of NATO's standing naval forces, will practice anti-submarine warfare and certify submarine commanders under Arctic conditions.

– Arctic Dolphin is an important exercise for the Navy, but also for NATO. It is positive that NATO's Standing Naval Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) is participating in the exercise. This demonstrates NATO's commitment to presence in the north and provides us with the opportunity for important joint training with several NATO allies, says the Chief of the Navy, Kyrre Haugen.

The exercise begins today, 2 February, and continues until Friday, 13 February, writes the Norwegian Armed Forces (Forsvaret) in a press release. The exercise area includes Bjørnafjorden, Sognesjøen, and Sognefjorden in Vestlandet. Before the start of the exercise, several of the participating ships will make a port visit in Bergen (western Norway).

From Norway, the frigate KNM Thor Heyerdahl and a submarine of the Ula-class are participating. The international participation consists of submarines from the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands, as well as the German support ships FGS Donau and FGS Main. In addition to SNMG1, Danish Seahawk helicopters and German P8 patrol aircraft are also participating.

In addition to joint training, the focus is on certifying new submarine commanders, according to the press release. The head of the submarine service, Commander Jim Robertsen, describes the exercise as valuable for both crews and future commanders.

– With realistic training in submarine operations together with important allies, it is both a good arena for certifying ship commanders and strengthening interoperability and allied cooperation, says Robertsen.