Royal Air Force supports Norwegian submarine exercise with NATO partners.

This week a Poseidon MRA1 (P-8A) aircraft from Royal Air Force (RAF) Lossiemouth has been participating in a multinational anti-submarine warfare exercise off the coast of Norway.

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Poseidon MRA1 (P-8A) aircraft from Royal Air Force (Picture source: RAF)

Exercise ARTIC DOLPHIN is one of a series of routine exercises that provides the RAF an opportunity to test and develop the capabilities of its Maritime Patrol Aircraft alongside NATO allies.

Ships from Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany worked alongside each other to hone their skills and ensure they can operate together seamlessly. As part of the exercise scenario the RAF aircraft worked with Norwegian Frigates including HNLMS Van Amstel to hunt the Norwegian submarine HNLMS Zeeleeuw.

This provided a testing operational scenario in a challenging coastal inshore environment which added to the complexity and required close cooperation and advanced techniques, including radar homing. Continuous training with NATO partners enables integration of tactics, techniques and procedures.

"Exercises involving multiple nations and their associated maritime fleets are extremely valuable to all participants. Exercise Arctic Dolphin provides the front-line crews an opportunity to improve the anti-submarine warfare skill set whilst operating with surface and sub-surface platforms." said Flight Lieutenant Smith, Mission Commander for RAF Poseidon.

NATO nations conduct regular training together to develop individual and collective capabilities. Each nation has different expertise and experience and so training together gives an opportunity to share best practice to integrate and strengthen NATO.

Recently, the Royal Air Force receives its ninth and final P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. 
Norway, for its part, received its first Poseidon aircraft in November 2021.

Exercise ARTIC DOLPHIN is one of a series of routine exercises that provides the RAF an opportunity to test and develop the capabilities of its Maritime Patrol Aircraft alongside NATO allies (Picture source: RAF)