U.S. Navy tests high-tech maritime drones off northern Norway
“These manoeuvres are a critical step in developing our unmanned capabilities in the Arctic,” said Captain Jeremy Wheat, commander of a U.S. task force.
Newly developed high-speed autonomous surface vessels have been seen operating in the fjord outside Ramsund Naval Base during an exercise that runs until 24 May.
“Our deployment of sophisticated unmanned surface and underwater vehicles in the High North marks a landmark moment,” said Vice Admiral J.T. Anderson, commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet.
“We are pushing the boundaries of innovation in some of the world’s most challenging environmental conditions, proving these technologies can provide a critical defensive edge anywhere in the world,” he said.
Using the new drones, U.S. Navy forces worked alongside the Royal Norwegian Navy to detect, identify and neutralise threats in harsh cold-climate conditions.
“This exercise is strengthening security and surveillance capabilities in the Arctic and High North,” said Commodore Kyrre Haugen, Chief of the Fleet of the Royal Norwegian Navy.
“Together with our allies, we are exploring and testing the use of unmanned systems in this type of operation. By combining advanced autonomous systems with Norwegian expertise in these environments, we are enhancing both situational awareness and our ability to protect critical maritime infrastructure,” Commodore Haugen added.
In a statement, the U.S. Sixth Fleet said the lessons learned during the ongoing exercise would help shape operations in the High North for years to come.
“This is no longer science fiction. We are using cutting-edge technology to transform how we protect and defend the maritime domain, from the surface to the seabed,” said Captain Jeremy Wheat, commander of Naval Task Force 68.
U.S. expeditionary personnel are also working with Norwegian explosive ordnance disposal divers. Equipped with specialised diving gear and unmanned underwater systems, the allied teams are focusing on how to neutralise explosive hazards effectively and safely.
In February 2026, NATO launched Arctic Sentry, a military initiative aimed at further strengthening deterrence and defence across the region. The alliance has steadily increased its presence in the Arctic by establishing new structures throughout the region in response to Russia’s military build-up around the Barents Sea over the past two decades.
