NATO warships head north to train to fight Russia

Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 has completed a High North deployment focused on anti-submarine warfare, air defence training and maritime situational awareness in the Norwegian Sea, the UK Defence Journal understands.

The deployment centred on participation in the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Arctic Advance exercise, where SNMG1 supported the Norwegian Submarine Commanders Course. NATO frames this as providing realistic anti-submarine warfare training in complex Arctic conditions and improving interoperability with Norwegian forces.

The task group also patrolled key areas of the Norwegian Sea to improve situational awareness around critical infrastructure, and Norwegian authorities coordinated professional monitoring of nearby Russian units as part of routine presence operations, according to NATO.

Air defence readiness was reinforced through joint training with Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35s. The fighters carried out simulated attacks on the task group, which NATO says offered valuable training for ship crews and strengthened collective readiness in Arctic conditions.

Royal Netherlands Navy Commodore Arjen Warnaar, Commander of SNMG1, said the deployment demonstrated the group’s adaptability.

“Our crews have gained invaluable experience in anti-submarine warfare and air defence. Through vigilance and cooperation with our Norwegian Allies, we have enhanced NATO’s readiness and presence in this strategically important region.”

Port visits to Bodø, Hammerfest and Tromsø allowed for resupply and engagement with local authorities, reinforcing NATO’s visibility in the region.

SNMG1 is one of NATO’s four standing maritime groups tasked with providing continuous presence in peacetime and crisis. NATO states that deployments of this type contribute to assurance measures, enhance interoperability and demonstrate the Alliance’s capacity to operate across the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea and Arctic approaches.