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US and NATO Forces Prepare for Major Winter Warfare Exercise in Norway.
The Norwegian Armed Forces, the United States Marine Corps, and NATO allies are preparing for Exercise Joint Viking 25, scheduled to take place from March 3 to 14, 2025. This exercise, one of the largest of its kind in the region, will test the capabilities of allied forces in the challenging terrain of the Norwegian Arctic.
Image of a previous Joint Viking exercise carried out in 2017. (Picture source: US DoD)
Since January, participating units have been undergoing rigorous cold-weather training in Norway to prepare for the extreme conditions they will face during the exercise. The focus is on essential winter combat operations, including small-unit tactics, defensive maneuvers, and logistics in extreme environments. This ongoing training is critical for enhancing collective defense capabilities and ensuring operational readiness in harsh climates.
A key player in the exercise will be the United States Marine Corps, specifically the II Marine Expeditionary Force. Deployed from Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, the Marines will showcase their ability to rapidly deploy and integrate forces in Arctic conditions. Their involvement underscores the strategic importance of strengthening NATO’s northern flank and enhancing cooperation with Norwegian and allied forces.
In addition to the Marine Corps, the U.S. Army’s 41st Field Artillery Brigade will contribute by deploying from Germany to Norway. They are set to conduct live-fire exercises, demonstrating their long-range precision fire capabilities in joint operations. These drills highlight the importance of seamless cooperation and the integration of advanced technologies in modern warfare.
NATO allies from across Europe, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, and Finland, will also participate in Joint Viking 25. Their involvement emphasizes the unity and shared commitment of NATO member states to the defense of the alliance's territories. The exercise aims to strengthen interoperability and ensure preparedness for potential future contingencies.
The primary site of activity will be in Troms County, in the northern part of Norway. Activities will also take place in the air and at sea, including on the Tarva shooting range, located outside of Ørland.
Joint Viking 25 represents a significant opportunity for allied forces to strengthen their cooperation and demonstrate their ability to conduct joint operations in extreme winter conditions, ensuring the defense and security of the Arctic region.
The Arctic region, with its harsh weather and unique geographical challenges, plays a pivotal role in NATO's defense strategy. The strategic importance of the area has been heightened by increasing tensions in the region, with both Russia and NATO expanding their military activities in recent years. This makes Joint Viking 25 not only a critical exercise in terms of tactical readiness but also as a demonstration of NATO's commitment to securing its northern borders.
The integration of advanced technologies, such as long-range artillery systems and precision-guided munitions, as well as the interoperability between different NATO forces, is a key focus of the exercise. These capabilities are crucial in ensuring that NATO can respond to any future threats in the region effectively, leveraging both modern equipment and well-coordinated joint efforts.
Additionally, Joint Viking 25 will offer valuable training in cold-weather survival and logistics, critical elements in the successful operation of military forces in the Arctic. As global tensions rise, these exercises will continue to enhance NATO's readiness to meet emerging security challenges in an environment that demands the highest levels of operational expertise.
By engaging in such large-scale exercises, NATO demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a strong defense posture in the Arctic, ensuring that it is prepared for any challenges that may arise. Joint Viking 25 is a vital part of NATO's broader strategy to ensure peace and stability in the region and to enhance the alliance's deterrence capabilities. As the exercise unfolds, it will provide critical insights into the practical aspects of winter warfare, strengthening NATO's ability to operate in one of the most demanding environments in the world.