UK Defence Journal

By George Allison

1 July 2024

Source: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/exercise-nordic-warden-protects-undersea-infrastructure/

The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) has wrapped up Operation Nordic Warden, a crucial effort aimed at protecting northern Europe’s undersea infrastructure.

This month-long operation, initiated in early June, saw ten JEF nations—Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom—collaborate to secure vital underwater networks.

With over 30 ships and various air assets deployed, the mission focused on monitoring and responding to potential threats in the Baltic Sea, Danish waters, and other key maritime areas in northern Europe. 

The Royal Norwegian Air Force’s P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft were also integral to the operation.

During the operation, JEF forces conducted 34 naval missions, executed eight maritime patrol aircraft sorties, exchanged 99 reports, and tracked 33 suspicious vessels.

Group Captain Kevin Latchman, JEF’s director of communications, previously spoke of the strategic importance of the mission, stating, “Nordic Warden builds on the success of JEF’s first-ever response option last year, also focused on critical undersea infrastructure, and is part of a systematic approach to understand and respond to potential threats.”

The significance of this operation is underscored by the potential impact of any disruption to these networks. Any interruption, whether due to sabotage or accidental damage, could severely affect the interconnected economies of northern Europe, potentially leaving millions without internet access.

As Operation Nordic Warden concludes, it has not only enhanced the security of critical undersea assets but also reinforced the collaborative efforts of JEF nations in protecting their shared interests.