NATO's 'Arctic Dolphin' drills test alliances in harsh seas
NATO manoeuvres "Arctic Dolphin" have commenced in the North Atlantic, with participation from ships of 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 begun in the northern part of the Atlantic. The exercises involve submarines from Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway, along with naval forces from Denmark, the British Royal Navy, and the French Marine Nationale. The manoeuvres are scheduled to continue until 13 February.
During "Arctic Dolphin," the naval forces will practise anti-submarine warfare. An additional challenge will be the difficult weather conditions off the coast of Norway. On Friday, the ships will dock 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 of the Norwegian Navy's submarine forces emphasised the importance of this year's exercises for Norway and Germany.
The manoeuvres occur 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 can directly command German submarines and vice versa. This makes joint allied training even more critical now, emphasised Robertsen, as quoted by Kystens Næringsliv.
Location of the exercises
The "Arctic Dolphin" exercises are being conducted in Norway's largest and deepest fjord, Sognefjorden, and in the bay of Bjoernafjorden, south of Bergen. These locations provide ideal conditions for carrying out manoeuvres 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 13 February.
