A central activity was SNMG1’s participation in the Arctic Advance exercise led by the Royal Norwegian Navy, where the group supported the Norwegian Submarine Commanders Course. Operating in complex Arctic conditions, the task group delivered demanding anti-submarine warfare training that strengthened Allied interoperability and operational proficiency.
During the deployment, SNMG1 patrolled the Norwegian Sea to improve awareness around critical infrastructure and, as part of routine maritime presence, professionally monitored several Russian units in close coordination with Norwegian authorities. The group also conducted joint training with Norwegian F-35 fighter aircraft, during which simulated attacks provided realistic air defence training and enhanced operational readiness in the High North.
Commander SNMG1, Royal Netherlands Navy Commodore Arjen Warnaar, said the deployment demonstrated the strength and flexibility of SNMG1 while operating under challenging High North conditions. The task group also carried out port visits to Bodø, Hammerfest and Tromsø, underscoring NATO’s regional presence while conducting courtesy calls and replenishing units.
SNMG1 is one of four standing NATO maritime groups operating under MARCOM, providing continuous maritime presence and readiness in peacetime, crisis and conflict. Deployments of this nature contribute to Allied assurance measures, enhance interoperability and demonstrate NATO’s ability to operate across the North Atlantic, the Baltic Sea and the Arctic approaches.
