Mar 13 2025

Focus on Joint Combat Readiness as NATO Ships Participate in Norwegian Exercise Joint Viking

Vessels from NATO's Standing Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) sailing in formation with other Allied maritime forces in the Norwegian Fjords during exercise "Joint Viking 25".

Replenishment-at-Sea is vital to sustain long-term deployments without returning to port, so its practice is vital to the future success of extended operations.

Looking back on the exercise, Commander SNMG1 CDRE Arjen Warnaar stated; “Joint Viking 25 provided a perfect training opportunity for SNMG1 on NATO’s Northern flank. The Highly realistic Norwegian-led exercise involved integrated Maritime, Air and Land evolutions and therefor prepared us for multi domain operations in an arctic environment. After evaluating our performance during the exercise, I can confidently state that we are ready for this scenario.”

BNS Louise-Marie, FS Somme and HNLMS Tromp will continue as part of SNMG1, ready to respond to any maritime challenges. Exercise Joint Viking 25 served as an essential training opportunity, reinforcing NATO’s resolve to protect and defend the Alliance’s interests in the High North.

SNMG1 is one of NATO’s four standing maritime task groups under the operational control of Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM). These task groups form the core maritime capability of NATO’s Allied Reaction Force (ARF) and provide a continuous maritime capability to execute NATO missions across the spectrum of operations, demonstrating solidarity and strengthening the bond and interoperability between Allied naval forces.

Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM