Attacked by aircraft, missiles, drones and submarines - missile training in northern Norway
The Danish frigates Iver Huitfeldt and Absalon participated in the realistic scenarios that formed the framework for the recently concluded exercise Mjølner. The frigates and their crews handled simulated attacks and time pressure, which placed great demands on professionalism and cooperation with other participating nations.
May 28, 2026 - 09:00
The Danish frigate Iver Huitfeldt fired SM2 missiles during the exercise, while the frigate Absalon fired the ESSM - Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile. Photo: Lars Richter / Danish Defence
By the Danish Defence Command
The recurring naval exercise Mjølner has just taken place in northern Norway.
‘Mjølner’ is an advanced shooting exercise, where the frigates had the opportunity to train with their missile and artillery systems in a tactical scenario.
“The exercise probably provides the most realistic weapons training available in peacetime. The ships operate in a tactical scenario, where the crews are unaware of the exact threats they are facing and therefore do not know who will respond and with which weapons. This makes the exercise very realistic,” says Thomas Stig Rasmussen, commander of the 2nd Squadron.
Aircraft, missiles, drones, speedboats and submarines acted as the attacking party. The many different and sudden attacks required the crews of the frigates to act quickly, correctly and together. As if it was under actual attack.
The Danish frigates Absalon and Iver Huitfeldt participated in the exercise together with frigates from Germany and Norway. All relevant weapon systems were used, including air defense missiles of the types SM2 and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile as well as 127mm, 76mm and 35mm artillery systems.
Video: Danish Defence
Together for maritime defence
The exercise Mjølner was conducted under the motto "Together and determined", which frames the purpose. To train the ability to defeat enemy targets with missiles and cannons in close coordination and cooperation.
"The exercise has provided good training in cooperation with allies, including training in different procedures, but also a more in-depth knowledge of each other's capabilities and limitations, the different ship classes and crews in between," says Frank Erland Jensen, ship commander of Absalon.
The scenarios unfolded from the point where a target was discovered and identified. This was followed by coordination of which unit was to defeat it and then finally the actual firing. This required cooperation with the other units, while the internal coordination on the individual frigate had to be spot on.
The exercise takes place every other year in the waters off the coast of northern Norway. This year, Norway, Germany and Denmark participated in the exercise, which strengthens the readiness of the participating countries, contributes to deterrence and improves the ability to cooperate across nations.
Photo: Lars Richter / Danish Defence