NATO's "Arctic Dolphin" tests sub warfare in harsh fjords
NATO maneuvers "Arctic Dolphin" have started in the North Atlantic with the participation of ships from Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway. Units from Denmark, the United Kingdom, and France will join them.
According to the Kystens Næringsliv, NATO naval exercises under the codename "Arctic Dolphin" have commenced in the northern part of the Atlantic. The exercises involve submarines from Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway, as well as naval forces from Denmark, the British Royal Navy, and the French Marine Nationale. The maneuvers will continue until February 13.
During "Arctic Dolphin," the naval forces will practice anti-submarine warfare. An additional challenge will be the difficult weather conditions off the coast of Norway. The ships will dock on Friday at the port of Bergen, including the French frigate Auvergne, the Danish frigate HDMS Niels Juel, and the British ship HMS Somerset. Three submarines remain undisclosed by Norwegian press services.
Commander Jim Robertsen, the leader of the Norwegian Navy's submarine forces, emphasized the importance of this year's exercises for Norway and Germany.
The maneuvers take place at a time when Norway and Germany are collaborating on the joint purchase of twelve new submarines. They will be fully interoperable, meaning that Norwegian crews and their individual members will be able to directly command German submarines and vice versa. This makes joint allied training even more important now, emphasized Robertsen, as quoted by Kystens Næringsliv.
Location of the exercises
The "Arctic Dolphin" exercises will be conducted in Norway's largest and deepest fjord, Sognefjorden, and in the bay of Bjoernafjorden south of Bergen. These locations provide ideal conditions for conducting maneuvers in challenging weather conditions, which is crucial for realistic training of NATO naval forces.
The military exercises under the banner of "Arctic Dolphin" will conclude on February 13.
