Denmark participates in large maritime exercise in the Baltic Sea
Northern Coasts, one of the largest maritime exercises in the Baltic Sea this year, commences today. Denmark and 13 other nations are training together.
September 1, 2025 - 13:55
The Danish frigate Esbern Snare, here at the quay at Naval Station Frederikshavn before departure, is participating in the large international maritime exercise Northern Coasts, abbreviated NOCO. Photo: Danish Defence
By Danish Defense Command
The Danish frigate Esbern Snare and the Danish mine clearance capacity are participating in the large international maritime exercise Northern Coasts, abbreviated NOCO, that starts today.
The purpose of the exercise is to train tactical maritime warfare in coastal waters. The training is formed as a realistic crisis scenario and focuses on strengthening interoperability between the participating countries. At the same time, the exercise contributes to expanding cooperation between NATO allies and partners with a the aim to contribute to increased stability and security in the Baltic Sea region.
Among other things, one aim of the exercise is for the participating forces to train their ability to ensure free navigation in the Baltic Sea and to be able to counter threats or attempts to upstruct shipping routes. The Baltic Sea is one of the world's busiest sea areas, and it is important that the forces train their ability to ensure free navigation.
"I am happy that the Danish Navy will have the opportunity to train in a realistic scenario and, together with the other participating countries, to further enhance cooperation and interoperability. It is important that we stand together to show our will and ability to protect our waters and keep them free from threats. I am sure that everyone will benefit greatly from NOCO, while we at the same time show the world that we stand together to keep out territories safe," says Bo Overgaard, deputy commander of the Danish Navy and chief of the Danish Taks Group, which will lead part of the international maritime surface force from the flagship Esbern Snare.
Bo Overgaard, deputy commander of the Danish Navy and chief of the Danish Task Group, which leads part of the international maritime surface force from the flagship Esbern Snare. Photo: Danish Defence
NOCO is an annual exercise which is led in turn by Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Finland. A total of 14 nations, Germany, Canada, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, USA, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Sweden, Great Britain and Denmark participate in NOCO 2025.
The exercise has been held annually since 2007 in the Baltic Sea.
"Because of the security situation in the world and because of advancements in technology, there is always reason to update one's knowledge and training status, and to update developed procedures and to develop new ones. For example, drones have gained great importance in, among other things, the maritime domain and battlefield, and this is just one example of how it is useful and necessary that we regularly meet and train together with our allies," says Bo Overgaard.