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SNMG1 launches High North mission, boosting NATO presence in the Norwegian Sea

NATO Allied Maritime Command

Dec 1 2025

High North -- Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 has kicked off its second High North deployment of 2025, reinforcing Allied vigilance and maritime awareness in the strategically vital Norwegian Sea. The task group, led by flagship HNLMS Van Amstel alongside HMCS St. John's and FGS Hamburg, will strengthen NATO's presence in the region amid increasing operational demands.

Operating in the High North allows SNMG1 to hone its skills in one of the world's most challenging maritime environments while maintaining a strong, visible NATO presence.

Commander of SNMG1, Royal Netherlands Navy Commodore Arjen Warnaar, highlighted the continued importance of regular Allied operations in the region.

"The High North is a very important area of interest for the Alliance," said Commodore Warnaar. "Our second deployment here this year demonstrates NATO's commitment to readiness, cohesion and stability. The cooperation and professionalism of our multinational task group — with units from The Netherlands, Canada and Germany — ensure we remain prepared to operate effectively across the full spectrum of maritime tasks."

During the deployment, the task group will conduct multiple maritime exercises, including anti-submarine warfare, air defence training and flight operations. The group is also integrating with Allied forces by participating in the Norwegian exercise Arctic Advance 2025.

Before heading north, SNMG1 supported the Norwegian Submarine Commanders Course, giving all crews a valuable opportunity to sharpen their Anti-Submarine Warfare skills along the Norwegian coast. Throughout the training, the task group maintained vigilant situational awareness — including the monitoring of international maritime traffic.

SNMG1 is one of four standing NATO maritime groups providing continuous maritime presence and readiness in peacetime, crisis and conflict. Deployments like this contribute to Allied assurance measures, enhance interoperability and demonstrate NATO's ability to operate across the entire North Atlantic, in the Baltic sea and the Arctic approaches.

Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM