The Norwegian Frigate HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen on Svalbard Patrol

Since the 1970s, the Norwegian Navy has annually sent a frigate on patrol to Svalbard. This autumn, HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen has carried out the mission, the Norwegian Armed Forces writes.

“It is important that we continue to operate here, continue to carry out missions and uphold Norway’s sovereignty in the north,” says Commander Senior Grade Stian Gjermundsen Buunk, Commanding Offiser of the frigate.

In addition to asserting Norwegian sovereignty and demonstrating presence, the deployment is intended to build situational awareness and train the crew in demanding Arctic waters.

During the deployment, HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen has, among other things, trained with a Norwegian P-8 maritime patrol aircraft.

The Russian Northern Fleet has several naval bases on the Kola Peninsula and submarines sailing from there can move to the Atlantic Ocean through the Bear Gap, the area between mainland Norway and Svalbard.

Frigates and maritime patrol aircraft play a central role in detecting and tracking Russian submarines.

Professional conduct

When Norwegian and Russian vessels operate in the same area, clear communication is crucial to avoid dangerous situations.

– We are professionals and, for the most part, the Russians are also very professional at sea. We very rarely experience any disagreements with the Russians at sea," Buunk says.

Russia and Norway have an agreement called Incidents at Sea (INCSEA), intended to prevent dangerous incidents when the countries’ military vessels and aircraft operate close to one another. 

“Important presence”

HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen has also conducted training with MS Polarsyssel, the vessel of the Governor of Svalbard. 

Polarsyssel is a civilian service vessel used for search and rescue, inspections and oil spill preparedness. The two vessels trained, among other things, on towing each other.

The Governor of Svalbard, Lars Fause, appreciates the Navy’s annual frigate visit.

"It is very important that we exercise authority here in Longyearbyen, but also important that the Armed Forces demonstrate their presence by sending a frigate flying the Norwegian flag. It makes it very clear that this is an important part of Norwegian territory,” Fause states. 

In addition, the Norwegian Coast Guard is present in the waters around Svalbard throughout the year to uphold sovereignty and conduct fisheries and hunting inspections, environmental monitoring and customs inspections.

"I like the normal situation where the frigate visits Longyearbyen once a year, and the Coast Guard is present almost all the time. It demonstrates a sense of security and confidence that this is territory we genuinely want to protect for a long time to come, says the governor.