Two U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles released glide bombs off the Norwegian coast, which were redirected mid-flight by Norwegian personnel. The weapons received real-time data through a secure digital link, using inputs from multiple sources, including Norway’s P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
“This is a monumental achievement, not only for Norway and the U.S., but also potentially for Allies across NATO,” said Colonel Roger Samuelsen, Commander of the Norwegian Battle Lab & Experimentation (NOBLE). “NATO Allied Command Transformation has shown keen interest in this Norwegian concept we’ve developed at NOBLE.”
The demonstration showed that networked munitions can adjust targeting mid-air using data from external sensors, increasing mission flexibility and safety. The aircraft releasing the weapons does not need to visualise the target, allowing greater operational range while limiting exposure to threats.
The operation stemmed from NOBLE’s long-term work on a Joint Operational Concept for networked weapons, launched in 2019 to integrate advanced platforms such as the F-35, P-8, and Joint Strike Missile. This concept promotes synchronised planning across air, land and maritime domains, reflecting the evolving nature of modern warfare.
Vice Admiral Rune Andersen, Chief of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ Operational Headquarters, said: “Our ability to deliver power at a distance and with precision is becoming an increasingly important part of our defence concept.” NOBLE’s efforts reflect broader national aims to deepen collaboration between military, research, and industry sectors.
“The NOBLE NEW project is included in ACT CD&E Programme of Work as a national-led project,” added Colonel Samuelsen. “Since the implementation is based on a high degree of trust and integration between close Allies, this project is truly and literally enhancing interoperability and cohesion of assets within the Alliance.”
Captain Brett Stell of the U.S. Air Force, based at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, emphasised the strategic impact of the exercise: “Jotun Strike isn’t just a joint exercise — it’s a demonstration of what warfighting looks like in the future. A weapon launched from a U.S. platform was guided by a Norwegian sensor across domains and distances.”
Jotun Strike was conducted as part of NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence exercise, Formidable Shield 25, which ran from 1 to 31 May 2025. Held across Norway and the United Kingdom, it is the largest live-fire naval exercise in Europe and included complex Ballistic Missile Defence and Air Defence scenarios.
