NATO warships ‘fight off’ F-35 jets in Arctic training

NATO warships operating in the High North have carried out joint air defence training with Norwegian F-35 fighter aircraft as part of a wider maritime deployment aimed at strengthening readiness in the region.

According to Allied Maritime Command, Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) reinforced its operational presence in the High North during a recent deployment, conducting activities focused on enhancing readiness, cooperation and maritime situational awareness in what NATO describes as a strategically significant and demanding environment.

A central element of the deployment was SNMG1’s participation in the Royal Norwegian Navy exercise Arctic Advance, where the group supported the Norwegian Submarine Commanders Course. Operating in complex Arctic conditions, NATO said the activity provided realistic training focused on anti-submarine warfare and contributed to improving Allied interoperability.

As part of the deployment, SNMG1 also conducted patrols in the Norwegian Sea, with particular emphasis on maritime situational awareness around critical infrastructure. NATO stated that several Russian units were monitored during routine maritime operations, in close coordination with Norwegian authorities.

Footage released by NATO shows Norwegian Air Force F-35 aircraft conducting simulated attacks against the task group during an integrated air defence exercise. The training was designed to test coordination between air and maritime forces, allowing ship crews to practise air defence procedures in a high-tempo operational environment.

NATO said the exercises strengthened operational readiness and interoperability between Allied naval forces and fifth-generation combat aircraft, reflecting an increased focus on multi-domain operations in northern waters.

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Commander of SNMG1, at the time, Royal Netherlands Navy Commodore Arjen Warnaar, said the deployment demonstrated the group’s ability to operate effectively under demanding High North conditions.

“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,” he said.

The High North has become an increasing focus of NATO activity as Allied nations place greater emphasis on cold-weather operations, maritime security and freedom of navigation in northern waters. NATO has previously described the region as operationally challenging due to weather, distance, and the density of maritime and air activity.

Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 is one of NATO’s four permanent maritime task groups and operates under Allied Maritime Command, providing a continuous multinational naval presence that can respond rapidly to emerging security situations. The deployment and associated exercises form part of NATO’s routine training and assurance activity, aimed at maintaining readiness, improving integration between air and maritime forces, and ensuring Allied units can operate together effectively in complex environments.