According to a Norwegian security analyst, there is no political message behind the 1,200 strong drill, as it is neither uncommon for the British to practice in the Norwegian Sea, nor for allies to join.
The US and British naval forces are holding large-scale drills along the Norwegian coast, without Norway being involved, national Norwegian broadcaster NRK reported.
Over 1,200 British and US Navy soldiers are currently involved in an exercise north of the Arctic Circle.
Starting from 1 May, they conducted drills in the Norwegian Sea, aimed at training defence against submarine attacks. A total of four ships from the two nations work together with a US submarine and a US P8-A surveillance aircraft.
In the words of Vice Admiral Lisa Franchetti, commander of the US 6th Fleet, the US must be prepared “to operate across all mission sets, even in the most unforgiving environments”. This, she mused, is especially critical in the Arctic, where the “austere weather environment” demands “constant vigilance and practice”.
On Monday 4 May, the fleet moved to the Barents Sea for further training. It is the first time since the 1980s that US warships have sailed this far north.
Lisa Franchetti justified further exercises, citing the need to maintain the safety and stability of the Arctic.
However, despite the drill taking place off the Norwegian coast and involving the nation's allies, Norway itself has not been involved in the exercise.
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