NATO begins biggest anti-submarine warfare exercise near Norway

Europe, News May 4, 2015 , by IRIA No Comments

NATO forces begin large Submarine exercise in North Sea, while Estonia hosts its biggest-ever ground exercise

NATO and some non-NATO European forces on Monday began a series of large military exercises across Northern Europe as part of an expanded annual event.

Ten NATO countries plus Sweden will take part in a two-week exercise aimed at detecting and hunting submarines in the North Sea close to Norway, while Estonia will host the biggest military exercise in its history as ground forces from nine allied countries practice battle operations.

NATO has increased its operations around Europe and Eastern Europe over the past year, since Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014 and began intervening in the East Ukraine war the following month, an involvement that Moscow however denies.

The exercise in Norway will involve submarines from Germany, the U.S., Sweden and Norway, with a host of other nations providing surface and air assets in the North Sea theater, where rough sea and weather conditions can make for a difficult operating environment.

are joined this year for the first time by NATO partner Sweden. The event, which is expected to last two weeks, will allow ships under NATO command to conduct a variety of anti-submarine warfare operations.

“It will allow us to exercise our anti-submarine warfare capabilities in a complex and challenging environment,” said Rear Admiral Brad Williamson, Commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2.

The submarines will take turns trying to approach and target the ships undetected, simulating an attack.

“The presence of NATO in Norwegian waters will enhance interoperability and will allow NATO to familiarize with Norwegian waters,” said Commodore Ole Morten Sandquist, Commander of the Norwegian fleet.

Submarines from Germany, Norway, Sweden and the United States are taking part along with 13 surface ships from Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Two research vessels – one Norwegian and one NATO-owned – are also participating. Norway, as the host nation, is providing support from the Haakonsvern Naval Base and the Sola Air Base, both of which are located near Bergen. France and Germany are also providing maritime patrol aircraft for the exercise.

Estonia hosts the biggest military exercise in its history

Meanwhile, Estonia begins ground exercises involving as many as 13,500 personnel drawn from allied NATO reservists, members of the voluntary Estonian Defense League, and active military.

The chief of the Estonian military, Lieutenant General Riho Terras, said the purpose of the exercise, known as Hedgehog, is aimed at establishing a rapid response unit.

Taking part in the exercise will be infantry from the U.K. and U.S., air defense systems from Belgium and Germany, aircraft from Poland, Dutch soldiers, and integrated Latvian and Lithuanian military units. The U.K. and U.S. will also send aircraft.