NATO Maritime Command exercise Dynamic Guard commenced on 22 February 2021, off the coast of Norway in the High North, NATO Maritime Command announced.
Dynamic Guard is designed to build and maintain proficiency in maritime electronic warfare and anti-ship missile defense, and this year it follows on from Norway’s TG 21-1 exercise in anti-submarine warfare.
Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1), as well as national assets from Norway, will participate in the exercise, along with support from the NATO Joint Electronic Warfare Core Staff (JEWCS).
Surface ships include HMCS Halifax, FGS Spessart and HNoMS Steil and HNoMS Storm.
Dynamic Guard demonstrates the ability of Allied forces to quickly integrate to accomplish NATO directed missions and involves various air and surface assets including, for the first time, bomber aircraft.
As part of the exercise, U.S. Air Force B-1B bomber aircraft deployed at Orland Air Base will conduct tactical integration with NATO forces in the Barents Sea.
This first-ever deployment of U.S. strategic bombers to Norway highlights the Allied and U.S. ability to operationalize bomber agile combat employment and improves interoperability with other NATO nations. Training with Allied nations and U.S. Air Force units contributes to ready and postured forces and builds the enduring and strategic relationships necessary to confront a broad range of global challenges.
“Exercise Dynamic Guard 21-1 provides opportunities for SNMG1 to enhance or otherwise validate our training, knowledge, and expertise in Electronic Warfare (EW) and Anti-Ship Missile Defence in a unique and challenging operational environment,” said Commodore Bradley Peats, Commander of SNMG1. “Furthermore, interactions with the USAF B-1B Lancer Bomber Task Force demonstrate the operational capabilities that can be brought to bear in support of regional assurance and deterrence measures intended to protect and defend NATO’s citizens and territorial integrity. SNMG1 continues to work closely with our fellow NATO Allies and partners in the region to preserve peace, prevent conflict, promote security and stability, and reinforce the rules-based international order.”
The exercise runs between 22-26 February 2021.
NATO’s other standing maritime group, SNMG2, has been conducting Dynamic Manta ASW exercise in the Mediterranean Sea.
