Since 28 February 2023, the tripartite minehunter Cepheus has been patrolling the English Channel and North Sea as part of NATO’s deterrent and defensive posture. Despite challenging crossing conditions (icing winds up to 55knots, seas 5 to 6), the Cepheus reached the Norwegian fjords on the morning of March 7, 2023 and began a 4-day tight navigation north.
March 9, 2023 marked the history of the Cepheus, which became the first French CMT to cross the Arctic Circle. At these latitudes, low temperatures (down to -17°C in feeling) covered the ship with a thick white coat. Between two snowstorms, the beauty of the Norwegian landscapes offered the entire crew rare images.
Since March 11, 2023, the Cepheus has joined its Task Group in Narvik to conduct the joint exercise JOINT WARRIOR. The NATO Task Group, composed of 5 minehunters of 5 different nationalities articulated around the HNoMS Nordkapp Coast Guard, conducts numerous mine-hunting, maneuver, firing and communication exercises.
Thanks to the Cepheus, the French Navy is demonstrating its ability to operate in this area while strengthening interoperability with its partners and allies.