SNMG1, composed of the flagship NRP Corte Real and the Canadian frigate Toronto, takes part in the annual exercise November 16 – 27, taking place above the Arctic Circle.
Flotex Silver trains the Royal Norwegian Navy in planning and executing tactical operations at sea in coordination with NATO assets, norms and procedures, contributing to more comprehensive interoperability across the Alliance, even in the harshest of climates.
Our presence in the Arctic will increase NATO’s maritime situational awareness, promote NATO’s visibility in the area and re-assure our Allies and partners of our commitment and readiness, while sending a message of NATO’s resolve to strategic competitors in the region
Flotex Silver provides multi-dimensional training opportunities, especially in anti-submarine warfare, under challenging conditions. Designed to test a wide range of skills, the exercise consists of several classic warfare challenges conducted by warships, submarines and aircrafts in coastal and offshore waters in the High North, off the coast of Norway.
The maintenance and demonstration of operational effectiveness through exercising is an essential part of the deterrent value of NATO Naval Forces. The exercise allows the NATO Naval Group to maintain high readiness, deliver Allied presence in the High North and promote cooperation and interoperability between Allies.
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Participating vessels sail in formation in the High North, Norway on 22 November, 2020. Photo: Portuguese Navy / NATO
“Our presence in the Arctic, reaching as far as the North Cape, will increase NATO’s maritime situational awareness, promote NATO’s visibility in the area and re-assure our Allies and partners of our commitment and readiness, while sending a message of NATO’s resolve to strategic competitors in the region”, stated Commodore Jose Antonio Mirones, Commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group One.
SNMG1 is training where war-fighting skills are most needed, ensuring familiarity with vital water spaces and strengthening combined response capabilities necessary to ensure regional stability, now and in the future.
“Flotex Silver demonstrates and exercises the important ability for NATO forces to quickly and seamlessly integrate with national forces of all Allies. This ability is key to NATO’s commitment to the collective defense of all member nations and to NATO’s goal to deter and prevent conflict,” said Vice Admiral Keith Blount, Commander of NATO Allied Maritime Command, “Standing NATO Maritime Group One’s participation is also delivering NATO presence in the Arctic in support of NATO permanent maritime deterrence, defence and reassurance”.