The Evolution of Drone Warfare: Insights from Norway’s NATO Joint Viking 2025 Exercise
In recent years, the landscape of military conflict has been dramatically altered by the introduction of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as drones. In a remarkable demonstration of innovation and adaptation, the Norwegian Army has embraced these developments during the NATO exercise, Joint Viking 2025, held in Northern Norway. This exercise incorporated some unique tactics, including the dropping of tennis balls from drones to simulate actual munition strikes on armored vehicles.
Contextualizing the Exercise
The Joint Viking 2025 exercise was not just a display of military might; it served as a testing ground for new intelligence and surveillance strategies involving different types of drones. In light of recent warfare dynamics, particularly those witnessed on the battlefields in Ukraine, the Norwegian Army sought to understand and integrate effective drone strategies into their operations. Major Tor Sellevold, from the Combat Lab—the Norwegian Army’s land warfare center—explained that the exercise aimed to provide insights into the military’s aerial signature and to familiarize troops with the threat posed by top-attack drones.
Simulating Drone Attacks: Tennis Balls in Action
To imitate the impact of a drone strike, the exercise featured FPV (first-person view) drones that were flown in dive attack patterns over Norwegian armored vehicles. Over the course of ten sorties, more than 30 tennis balls were dropped from the drones, simulating the effect of munitions detaching from a drone during a live attack. This creative approach allowed troops to visualize and assess their defensive capabilities against aerial threats.
Maj. Sellevold emphasized that this exercise provided a valuable opportunity for soldiers to experience the nature of drone threats and evaluate their standard operating procedures in facing such attacks.
Lessons from the Ukrainian Conflict
In Ukraine, the use of drones has transformed traditional combat paradigms. Insurgent forces have effectively utilized inexpensive UAVs to strike larger, more expensive military assets, including combat helicopters. The rapid evolution of these drones has enabled them to travel greater distances and execute strikes with increasing precision. This backdrop of drone warfare heavily influenced the methodologies adopted by the Norwegian Army during their training exercises.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has taken significant steps in this direction, launching the Drone Line project. This initiative aims to create a substantial unmanned “kill zone” along the front lines, employing mixed drones for surveillance and offensive operations. Recognizing the effectiveness observed in Ukraine, the Norwegian military has closely monitored these developments, demonstrating a commitment to adapt and enhance their strategies.
Future of Drone Operations in Norway
As discussions unfold about the future of Norway’s drone capabilities, military officials are looking towards longer-range UAVs that can operate effectively in challenging Arctic conditions. The Norwegian Army’s military intelligence battalion plans to steer away from operating drones close to the front lines, favoring a strategy that places them at a safer distance. This approach will allow for the utilization of drones with advanced features, such as very long-range cameras, enhancing their reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities without exposing operators to direct threats.
During the Joint Viking exercise, one of the prominent drones employed was the U.S.-made Puma, known for its versatility in surveillance missions. As the Norwegian Army continues to align its strategies with the changing paradigms of drone warfare, it paves the way for a more integrated and forward-thinking military approach in the years to come.
Conclusion
Throughout the Joint Viking 2025 exercise, the Norwegian Army illustrated a forward-looking mindset by testing innovative strategies and adapting to the rapidly evolving landscape of warfare. The integration of drone technology, alongside lessons gleaned from recent conflicts like Ukraine, underscores a crucial shift in military operations, setting the stage for future developments in aerial warfare strategy.
