While operating in the Northern Atlantic, Utstein was tasked to provide maritime situational awareness and deterrence for the Alliance. This tasking includes monitoring non-NATO military platforms, both surface and submarines, operating in this region. Utstein also participated in NATO’s Neptune Strike maritime activities alongside Allied ships to include the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group.
“To have HNoMS Utstein on patrol for NATO strengthens our capabilities and situational awareness in the North. It has been a successful deployment for us, and a valuable experience for the crew,” said Norwegian Navy Captain Jim Robertsen, Chief of the Royal Norwegian Submarine Service. “This has also been a good opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to the Alliance.”
Utstein’s deployment is another example of how NATO’s submarine fleet significantly reinforces the Alliance’s strategic and tactical advantage while patrolling the Atlantic and High North.
“We thank the Norwegian Navy and the crew HNoMS Utstein for their hard work during this NATO patrol,” said Rear Admiral Bret Grabbe, Commander, NATO Submarines. “This patrol embodies the strength of the NATO and demonstrates the pivotal role that submarines play in deterring aggression and our broader collective defense of our Allies.”
NATO member states frequently conduct joint exercises and training missions to enhance interoperability and cohesion. Member states continue to invest in submarine technology, providing NATO with an unparalleled advantage in maintaining maritime security and deterrence.
As one of the most silent and maneuverable submarines in the world, the Ula class submarine is well adapted to this role. It’s smaller, trimmed down profile makes it particularly stealthy and difficult to detect by surface vessels.
Norway is investing in the new Type 212CD submarine, with a propulsion system combining air- independent propulsion (AIP) and hydrogen fuel cell technologies, providing significantly increased dive endurance. Combined with improved stealth, better sound absorption and reduced irradiated noise, it will provide game-changing capability to the Royal Norwegian Navy, and to Norway’s wider defence and security interests.
Source: NATO MARCOM.
