Formidable Shield 2025, which runs from 3 to 25 May, aims to enhance allied cooperation in integrated air and missile defence. During the main activity phase in Norway from 5 to 10 May, live-fire engagements will be conducted from both land and sea, involving aircraft such as the F-35 and P-8.
Vidar Skjelstad, VP Strategic Campaigns at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, emphasised the importance of the exercise, stating: “Formidable Shield allows us to validate key capabilities in real-world scenarios alongside NATO partners. The data and operational insight we gain from this is extremely valuable for continued development and integration.” He highlighted that the systems are designed for missions to protect forces, infrastructure, and people from airborne threats.
NASAMS, a mobile air defence system from Kongsberg, is primarily designed to secure strategic locations such as bases, cities, and airports. On the other hand, NOMADS is developed for deployment closer to the frontline, reflecting its mobility and rapid deployment capabilities. According to Skjelstad, the participation of these systems “underscores the operational relevance of KONGSBERG systems,” as NASAMS has proven itself globally, while NOMADS adds significant tactical flexibility.
Involving about 2,500 soldiers, Formidable Shield also features ground, air, and naval forces from ten nations, including Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The majority of the personnel are stationed on vessels, with key participants including the Norwegian ships KNM Roald Amundsen, KNM Gnist, and KNM Magnus Lagabøte, as well as allied ships from Spain, the United States, the Netherlands, France, and Denmark.
Trond Gimmingsrud, Commander of the Norwegian Navy, expressed the strategic value of the exercise: “Formidable Shield is an important exercise for the Armed Forces and the Navy. It gives us the opportunity to practice in highly relevant areas such as air and missile defense together with our allies.” He noted that the exercise provides an opportunity to test NATO cooperation through complex scenarios and advanced integration.
Source: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
