NATO Naval Task Group increases presence and patrols in the GIUK Gap

The GIUK gap is a gateway between northern European waters and the broad reaches of the Atlantic and beyond. The area is also important for Russia, providing an essential route to the Atlantic Ocean from the icefree harbour Moermansk.

With the onset of climate change and increasing strategic competition, NATO is placing great strategic importance to the area for collective defence. In addition, seven of the eight Arctic states are NATO Allies, so NATO has a clear interest in preserving security, stability and co-operation in the region.

Commodore Arjen S. Warnaar is pleased with the opportunity this mission provides for his Group and NATO. “The Denmark Strait is an ideal location to train this task group in Arctic conditions. With local Danish and Icelandic forces, we have been conducting an intensive training programme that has helped us to better understand the environment and increase our readiness,” added Warnaar. “At the same time, we have been increasing NATO’s situational awareness in the area. Both at sea and in the air above it. A highly effective and efficient patrol in a strategically important region. Time very well spent.”

The patrols will enhance maritime situational awareness and air-space monitoring, while ensuring continued readiness in Arctic conditions.

Ship’s assigned to Standing @NATO maritime Group 1 are currently conducting vigilance operations in the GIUK Gap. The GIUK Gap identifies waterways between Greenland, Iceland, Norway and the United Kingdom. It separates the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea from the open Atlantic… pic.twitter.com/8pUWHR7co2

— NATO Maritime Command (@NATO_MARCOM) March 21, 2025

The SNMG1 flagship HNLMS Tromp is well-equipped for this tasking. Fitted with SMART-L MM/N Radar, the ship can detect ballistic missiles and focus on low-flying targets, covering both the air and space domains.

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.