The Norwegian Mine Diver Command (Minedykkerkommandoen, MDK) is conducting the Counter Sabotage exercise in the Bergen (western Norway) area during the period 1 to 12 June. The exercise is intended to improve cooperation within total defence and to practise the handling of explosive threat situations on land and at sea.

The Norwegian Armed Forces (Forsvaret) states that the main part of the exercise takes place from 4 to 10 June. During that period, personnel from MDK will work alongside civilian actors, the police, and health and medical services. Mine clearance divers from the Swedish Navy are also participating in the exercise.

The exercise scenarios are based on the current threat assessment and focus on protecting critical infrastructure against explosive threats, according to the armed forces.

"2026 is the year of total defence. This year's exercise therefore carries a strong focus on cooperation between military and civilian actors. In peacetime, crises, and war, we depend on good cooperation and coordination. It is therefore important that we exercise together to protect critical infrastructure. Participation from Sweden provides increased insight and an exchange of experience regarding each other's challenges, and maintains strong cooperation. The experience gained from the exercise will contribute to strengthening preparedness and the capability to handle explosive threats," says the commanding officer of the Mine Diver Command, Commander Christian Couillault, according to the Norwegian Armed Forces.

During the exercise, military activity is expected to increase in certain areas. The public is urged to respect cordons and to keep their distance from marked areas.