Norwegian and U.S. forces achieved a NATO milestone during Exercise Formidable Shield 25, successfully redirecting live U.S. munitions mid-flight using Norwegian guidance systems in a first-of-its-kind weapons integration test.
The breakthrough occurred on 14 May, when two U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles launched glide bombs off Norway’s coast. The munitions were subsequently guided by Norwegian personnel using real-time data transmitted via a secure digital network, drawing targeting input from multiple sources, including Norway’s P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
“This is a monumental achievement, not only for Norway and the U.S., but also potentially for Allies across NATO,” said Colonel Roger Samuelsen, Commander of the Norwegian Battle Lab & Experimentation (NOBLE). “Since the implementation is based on a high degree of trust and integration between close Allies, this project is truly and literally enhancing interoperability and cohesion of assets within the Alliance.”
The demonstration marks a significant advancement in NATO’s integrated air and missile defence capabilities. The use of networked munitions allows weapons to receive mid-flight updates, enabling dynamic targeting from sensors other than the launching platform. This enhances operational range, survivability, and reduces collateral risk.
U.S. Captain Brett Stell, based at RAF Lakenheath, noted: “Jotun Strike isn’t just a joint exercise — it’s a demonstration of what warfighting looks like in the future. A weapon launched from a U.S. platform was guided by a Norwegian sensor across domains and distances.”
The Jotun Strike scenario is part of Formidable Shield 25, NATO’s largest integrated air and missile defence live-fire drill, which took place from 1 to 31 May across Norway and the UK. The event included complex ballistic missile defence and air defence operations, uniting NATO and partner forces in a high-threat environment.
NOBLE’s “NEW” project, short for Network Enabled Weapons, is central to this effort. Originating in 2019, the initiative responds to Norway’s growing suite of advanced platforms such as the F-35, P-8 and Joint Strike Missile, and focuses on a joint operational concept across air, land and sea domains.
“Our ability to deliver power at a distance and with precision is becoming an increasingly important part of our defence concept,” said Vice Admiral Rune Andersen, Chief of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ Operational Headquarters.
