Thank you, Mr. Chair,
As announced through the Annual Exchange of information in line with the Vienna Document commitments, previous notifications and briefed earlier in this Forum, the Norwegian winter exercise JOINT VIKING 2025 (JOVI25) was conducted from 3 to 14 March 2025. It was the largest military exercise in Norway in 2025. Together with our allies and civilian partners, we trained to defend our country.
The aim of the exercise was to enhance allied interoperability, train on protecting NATO's northern flank and to test Norway's ability to receive allied reinforcements.
NATO is the foundation of Norway's defence. For the Norwegian Armed Forces and NATO to be able to defend Norway, it is vital that our allies practice deploying to Norway, and that we train to operate together, also in winter conditions. This knowledge is perishable, so we must train regularly. With the current challenging security situation, in Europe and elsewhere in the world, preparedness and well trained military forces are key to national security.
JOINT VIKING 2025 gathered participants from nine nations: Norway, Canada, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the USA. Around 10,000 Norwegian and allied soldiers took part in this year's exercise.
The Exercise was held in northern Norway, with the main training area in the southern parts of Troms County and adjacent waters. There was also some activity in the air and further at sea, including at the Tarva firing range outside Ørland.
Norway emphasises openness and transparency regarding larger military exercises, and for Joint Viking 2025, Norway voluntarily invited international observers in accordance with the Vienna Document. Accordingly, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Georgia conducted voluntary observation of the exercise 5-8 March 2025. The observers have ensured that the exercise is carried out as Norway has stated.
The exercise has increased our preparedness and our capability to conduct large-scale joint operations in challenging weather and climate.
Upon the completion of JOINT VIKING 2025, all participating troops and equipment have redeployed and returned to their designated peacetime locations or are in the process of doing so.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.