Norway Leads NATO Arctic Defence Push: Cold-Weather Warfare, Drone Innovation, and Military Exercises on Russia’s Northern Flank

“(Troms and Andøya — August 24, 2025)

Amid growing strategic competition in the high north, Norway has expanded its Arctic defense posture with a series of challenging exercises designed to test interoperability, endurance and readiness in the unforgiving polar environment. This summer’s maneuvers will see the coordination of land, air, sea and allied forces grapple with sub-zero temperatures, limited infrastructure and the threat of Russian activity beyond the Arctic Circle.

Members of the Texas Air National Guard during Exercise Formidable Shield 25 at Royal Welcomes the Danish Air Force and the Icelandic Coast Guard. Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, May 19, 2025. The 147th Attack Wing deployed its MQ-9s to the exercise, which is operating with combined U.S. forces, NATO and allied partners. (Texas ANG)

Building Resilience on Ice and Snow

Norway recently unveiled its first new brigade since the Cold War—Finnmarksbrigaden, which will have approximately 5,000 soldiers deployed in northern Finnmark. The deployment underscores the government’s intent to strengthen sovereignty and deterrence on the Russian border, while enabling continued training and rapid response in the region at risk.

Meanwhile, the Formidable Shield 2025 air and missile defense exercise returned to Andøya with approximately 2,500 soldiers. Participants The Navy engaged in live-fire exercises integrating air and ground-based systems in harsh Arctic conditions – highlighting the critical need for layered defense against rapidly advancing aerial threats, including missiles and drones.

On the ground, U.S. Army Air Defenders introduced the SGT STOUT short-range air defense system to the Arctic operational environment. Mounted on a mobile Striker platform and armed with Stinger missiles, a cannon and radar, it demonstrated its proficiency in layered engagements, including switch-to-manual warfare exercises in response to simulated system failures.

Joint Viking 25 exercise further strengthened multinational cooperation as U.S. Marines and NATO partners engaged in snowmobile operations, ice-breakthrough drills and a live-fire range around Setermoen. Their exposure to the Arctic not only improved equipment but Adaptability was also tested – showing how training in the Norwegian winter zone remains world-class.

A SGT Stout fires a Stinger missile from a 5-4 ADAR during Formidable Shield 25 live-fire training exercise in Andøya, Norway, on May 9, 2025. The exercise, led by the U.S. 6th Fleet, brings together naval, air and land forces from 10 NATO allies to strengthen integrated air and missile defense. (U.S. Army)

As a crucible for capability Cold

Operating in the Arctic isn’t just a logistical challenge — it’s an operational crucible. As U.S. Marines learned, constant cold, wind, and snow sap energy and destroy machinery. Soldiers lose thousands of calories every day, battery life is depleted, and communications are disrupted. In the glow of the aurora borealis. Norway’s decades of winter warfare skills — ski patrols, ice caves, reindeer skins, and a knack for reusable survival gear — are now being shared with NATO allies who are still mastering the basics as they adapt to this demanding front.

Sailors guide a crane operator as they reload a Standard Missile-3 into the vertical launching system of the USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) during At-Sea Demonstration/Formidable Shield 2025, the largest live-fire exercise in the European theater led by the US 6th Fleet and NATO. (US Navy)

Strategic Context and Momentum

These Arctic exercises are rooted in broader geopolitical shifts. From Russia’s expansion of the Kola Peninsula to its under-ice naval operations, the region is increasingly focused on submarine and missile capabilities. is seeing an increase. This expansion has increased Norwegian and NATO urgency. Norway has recently relaxed restrictions on allied training near its borders, facilitating closer cooperation with Sweden and Finland. Meanwhile, the UK has established Camp Viking in northern Norway – a forward operating hub for commandos and amphibious forces – which emphasizes the contours of a growing Arctic deterrent formation.

FAQs

Q1. Why is Norway now increasing its Arctic military presence?

Norway is increasing its Arctic defenses due to increased Russian activity near the Kola Peninsula and the Northern Seas. With Finland and Sweden joining NATO, the Arctic has become even more important for security. Norway’s new Finnmarksbrigaden brigade focuses on protecting borders and working closely with allies.

Q2. How are drones changing Arctic defense training?

Drones, such as the MQ-9 Reaper, used by the Texas Air National Guard in Formidable Shield 25, are giving NATO new eyes in the sky. They can fly long missions in extreme cold, track missile threats, and support ground troops. Drones are now seen as one of the hottest trends in modern Arctic defense.

Q3. What makes Arctic warfare different from other regions?

Training in the Arctic is more difficult due to freezing winds, heavy snow, and limited daylight. Batteries die faster, vehicles break down more often, and soldiers burn thousands of calories every day to stay warm. Norway’s decades-old winter survival skills — such as ski patrols and ice caving — are now being shared with NATO allies who are still learning these conditions.

Q4. How do NATO exercises in Norway affect Russia’s strategy?

NATO exercises like Joint Viking and Formidable Shield send a clear message of unity and preparedness. They prepare allies for real threats and build strong cooperation on land, sea, and in the air. This growing presence near Russia’s north also puts pressure on Moscow to spread its forces thinly, especially as NATO grows with Finland and Sweden.