Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 has started its second High North deployment of the year, reinforcing allied awareness and presence in the Norwegian Sea, the organisation stated.
The task group consists of flagship HNLMS Van Amstel with HMCS St. John’s and FGS Hamburg. NATO framed the mission as a response to elevated operational demands in a region it describes as strategically significant.
The release said operating in the High North gives the group the chance to refine skills in difficult conditions while maintaining a visible allied presence.
Royal Netherlands Navy Commodore Arjen Warnaar, who commands SNMG1, was quoted stressing the value of routine allied operations in the area. He said “the High North is a very important area of interest for the Alliance” and added that a second deployment in 2025 reflects NATO’s commitment to readiness, cohesion and stability. He also highlighted the cooperation of units from Norway, the Netherlands, Canada and Germany.
According to the release, the deployment includes anti submarine warfare drills, air defence training and flight operations. The group is also integrating with other forces during the Norwegian exercise Arctic Advance 2025.
Before heading farther north, SNMG1 supported the Norwegian Submarine Commanders Course along the coast. NATO described this as an opportunity for crews to develop anti submarine skills while maintaining situational awareness that included monitoring international maritime traffic.
SNMG1 is one of four standing maritime groups assigned to NATO’s Allied Maritime Command.
