The operation is a continuation of activities taking place off the coast of Norway. Several exercises were carried out there with British helicopters and shield-class corvettes, allied refueling with the logistics ship KNM “Maud”, as well as exercises with Cyber ​​Defense and the Air Force.

– The activities we will now carry out are mainly to protect the British aircraft carrier HMS “Queen Elizabeth” from any threats, so that the ship can carry out maritime air operations without interference, said Høknes and added:

– Through these activities, we show that Norway contributes to the common defense of the north, which is also our closest region. This is about our safety, and it is our shared responsibility. The message is a committed alliance and we are strongest when united, Høknes said.

The carrier force was led by Britain’s flagship, the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, and consisted of ships from the UK, Norway, Germany and the Netherlands, Belgium and France. In addition, aircraft from the UK, USA, Norway, Finland and Sweden took part.

As the operation was previously under the auspices of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Rapid Reaction Force, next week the force will come under NATO STRIKEFORCENATO command.

Press contact:

Navy:

Commander Captain Thomas Gjesdal, head of communications at the Norwegian Navy,
Email: thgjesdal@mil.no, mobile: 926 52 749

British Navy:

Navy Capt. Nicholas Stevenson, Public Affairs Officer,
Email: nicholas.stevenson102@mod.gov.uk, Telephone: +44 19263 955146