The presence of the Carrier Strike Group provides the Norwegian Armed Forces with a unique opportunity to further develop cooperation and work more closely with our allies. Several exercises are planned, involving the Royal Norwegian Navy, the Royal Norwegian Air Force, and the Norwegian Cyber Defense Force.
“It is in Norway’s interest that our allies practice and operate alongside us in our regions. With an on-going war in Europe, unity in NATO is more important than ever to safeguard our collective security. This is a practical example of this”, says the chief of the Norwegian fleet, Commodore Trond Gimmingsrud.
This is the new normal
In May, the world’s largest warship, USS Gerald R. Ford, conducted several training missions and exercises along the Norwegian coast. Allied presence in Norway and along our coast is part of the new normal situation.
“When our allies gain experience operating in our area, it builds security for Norway and assurance for our people. By operating together, we become synchronized in procedures, and we learn how to better utilize each other’s sensors and weapons. These are crucial factors in a crisis or conflict where we need to secure sea lines of communication, receive allied reinforcements and combat a threat”, Gimmingsrud adds.
Allied forces at sea and in the air
The Carrier Strike Group is led by the Royal Navy flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth and is operating under the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) framework. This includes warships from the United Kingdom, Norway and the Netherlands – all of which are part of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). Additionally, there are warships from Germany, Belgium and France, as well as aircraft from the United Kingdom, the United States, Norway, Finland, and Sweden.
Norway participates with frigate KNM Otto Sverdrup, the logistics vessel KNM Maud. Along with the vessels, F-35 aircraft from the Royal Norwegian Air Force will train closely integrated with British vessels and F-35 aircraft.
Furthermore, the Norwegian Cyber Defense will support the participating units with communication and access to communication infrastructure.