German naval ships firing at Norwegian Arctic test range
The German Navy starts its largest naval firing exercise in decades off the coast of Andøya, Norwegian Sea.
Ship traffic information from October 14 shows nine German naval vessels sailing in the waters around the far northern Norwegian island. The ships are part of a major two-week maritime naval exercise.
According to the German Navy, the flagship of the fleet is the frigate F219 Sachsen. Also corvettes, supply ships, and a submarine are taking part in the drills.
The training is part of the country’s annual Maritime Firing Exercise. It is taking place in the period October 13-24, 2025.
This exercise is the country’s largest of the kind in decades. In the two-week period, up to 54 missile launches, as well as torpedo and artillery firings, will be conducted, the Navy reports.
Also units from the German Army and Air Force, as well as international partners, are participating.
“This firing exercise is not only proof of Germany’s deterrence capability, but also shows that the Navy is ready for action in the defence of the country and the alliance. The German Navy is thus demonstrating that it is ready to use its capabilities at any time, regardless of the sea area,” a statement reads.
The Andøya firing range is located in the northern part of Norway, about 300 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. It is used by several allied countries. According to the Germans, the area is their first choice for naval firing exercises. It is located in geographical proximity to Germany and offers large sea areas for testing missiles and other kinds of weapons.
In connection with the exercise, the Andøya Space has issued a warning to ships sailing in the area.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Amid threats of annexation, could Canada and Greenland grow closer?, CBC News
Denmark: Denmark, Greenland agree to build naval wharf in Nuuk amid growing Arctic focus, Eye on the Arctic
Finland:Finland pushes EU drone wall as northern countries’ security investments expand, Eye on the Arctic
Iceland: Europe’s Von der Leyen strengthens Arctic security ties with Iceland during visit, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: Arctic Security Conference: “We are already at war in the Arctic,” Blog by Mia Bennett
Russia: Russia trains coastal attack scenario 30 km from border with Norway, The Associated Press
Sweden: NATO’s new Nordic command structure aims to deter Russia, Radio Sweden
United States: Russian warplanes detected flying near Alaska for ninth time this year, US military says, Eye on the Arctic
