Norwegian Navy monitors Russian Baltic Fleet vessels near Norway amid ongoing Okean Exercise.

According to information published by the Norwegian Armed Forces on September 9, 2024, the Norwegian corvette KNM Storm has been monitoring a group of three Russian vessels (including one Ropucha-class landing ships) from the Baltic Fleet, sailing west of Norway.
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Norwegian Skjold-class corvette Storm monitoring the two Russian warships. (Picture source: Norwegian MoD)

Vice Admiral Rune Andersen, head of the Norwegian Armed Forces Operational Headquarters (FOH), stated that the Russian Navy has recently initiated exercise Okean, which is leading to heightened activity from both the Northern and Baltic Fleets in the region, along with increased long-range aviation operations.

The Norwegian Armed Forces continuously track developments in the surrounding areas using their own operations and sensor systems, alongside allied cooperation. A comprehensive situational picture is maintained through patrols and presence on land, in the air, at sea, underwater, and with space-based sensors.

Skjold-class corvettes

The Skjold-class corvettes are designed as high-speed vessels optimized for coastal operations, offering a blend of stealth, speed, and firepower. Their surface effect ship (SES) catamaran configuration allows them to ride on an air cushion, which reduces hydrodynamic drag and enables speeds of up to 60 knots.

These vessels are relatively lightweight, displacing 274 tons, and have a length of 47.5 meters. The hull is made from composite materials and coated with radar-absorbing materials, enhancing stealth by minimizing radar cross-section. The design is faceted, with flush doors and windows to reduce reflective surfaces. This design approach, combined with the lack of sharp angles, contributes to their low detectability.

For armament, the Skjold-class corvettes are equipped with the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), providing anti-ship capabilities. They also feature a 76mm Otobreda Super Rapid gun and Rheinmetall's Multi-Ammunition Softkill System (MASS) for defense against missile threats. Additionally, the vessels are undergoing upgrades that include the integration of the SCANTER 6000 radar.

Comments

The Skjold-class corvettes offer several advantages in addressing the dynamics of Russian naval activities, particularly in the context of Norway’s geographic proximity to Russia and the strategic importance of the Barents Sea and Arctic waters.

Russian naval activity, particularly with the Northern Fleet, involves frequent patrols and submarine operations in the Arctic and Norwegian waters. The vessels’ anti-ship capabilities, such as the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), enable them to engage larger surface combatants if necessary.