Hunting submarines and evading detection were key skills put to the test in a recently concluded NATO exercise conducted in Norwegian waters.
Arctic Dolphin 2026 brought together submarines, surface vessels, and aircraft and service members from Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Among participating vessels in this year’s iteration, which concluded on Monday, were units from Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1).
Surface vessels taking part saw Norwegian frigate KNM Thor Heyerdahl supported by French, German, Norwegian and Spanish frigates. Two submarines participated: one each from Norway and Germany.
Aircraft and helicopters were supplied by Denmark, Germany, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom; they included Seahawk helicopters and P-8 maritime patrol aircraft.
One of the main elements of the 11-day exercise was the certification of submarine commanders in a live operational environment. Tracked by air and surface assets, they were required to display tactical acumen and rapid decision-making, doing their best to keep their boats hidden.
Activities took place across Bjørnafjorden, Sognesjøen, and Sognefjorden in western Norway. Ahead of the exercise, several participating ships also paid a port visit to Bergen.
Chief of the Norwegian Fleet Commodore Kyrre Haugen described Arctic Dolphin as a key exercise both for Norway’s Navy and for the wider NATO alliance.
He commented: “The participation of NATO’s Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) is particularly important, as it underscores the Alliance’s commitment to maintaining a credible and persistent presence in the High North. It also provides valuable opportunities for combined training with multiple NATO Allies.”
- You can read more details on the MARCOM website