Royal Danish Navy and Icelandic Coast Guard Strengthen Arctic Cooperation Ahead of NATO Exercises

Photo: Heb. Wikimedia. CC.

As part of continued efforts to demonstrate a strong and credible presence in the Arctic region, the Royal Danish Navy recently conducted joint exercises with the Icelandic Coast Guard (ICG). The drills form part of an ongoing program of mutual training and served as a prelude to a larger NATO exercise planned in Greenland, underscoring regional strength and cooperation amid renewed geopolitical attention on the Arctic.

Icelandic and Danish authorities emphasized that this cooperation is long-standing. Danish patrol vessels have regularly operated in Icelandic waters for decades, reflecting a deep-rooted partnership between the Royal Danish Navy and the Icelandic Coast Guard to ensure maritime safety, sovereignty, and emergency preparedness in the High North.

ICGV Freyja and Increased Arctic Maritime Traffic

Participating in the recent exercises was the Icelandic Coast Guard vessel ICGV Freyja. Built in 2009 as a commercial offshore supply vessel (OSV) of approximately 4,500 gross tons, Freyja was initially designed for the oil services sector. Iceland acquired the ship in 2021 to replace an aging patrol vessel, adapting it for coast guard and multi-mission operations.

Icelandic authorities note that maritime traffic in the Arctic has increased significantly in recent years. Larger cargo vessels, oil tankers, and a growing number of cruise ships are now navigating routes along Iceland’s eastern and northern coasts. In response, the government decided to homeport Freyja in Siglufjörður, northern Iceland, strengthening operational capacity and response times in the region.

Danish Patrol Ship Thetis Joins the Exercise

The Danish patrol ship HDMS Thetis, a vessel with a displacement of approximately 3,500 tons, traveled to Iceland for the latest joint exercise. Thetis routinely operates in Arctic waters and previously participated in NATO’s Arctic Light exercise off Greenland in September. That multinational drill involved forces from Germany, France, Norway, and Sweden and included operations at sea, on land, and in the air.

Emergency Scenarios and Medical Response Drills

The Iceland-based exercise took place over the weekend of January 10–11 and featured a series of realistic emergency scenarios. In one drill, Freyja issued a simulated distress call reporting a hull leak. Danish crews deployed rigid-hull inflatable boats to assist the Icelandic vessel, practicing coordinated emergency response and damage control procedures.

Another scenario focused on medical cooperation, with Danish medical personnel responding to a simulated onboard accident. These drills were designed to enhance interoperability, communication, and rapid-response capabilities between the two services under challenging Arctic conditions.

Broader NATO Presence in Greenland

The exercises coincided with NATO’s launch of what has been described as a “limited deployment” to Greenland. This initiative forms part of a broader effort to enhance Arctic security and preparedness amid increased strategic interest in the region.

Troops and commanders from several NATO countries—including France, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Sweden—arrived at Arctic Command in Nuuk, Greenland. Their activities include guarding critical infrastructure, supporting local authorities and police operations, and assisting troops already stationed in Greenland. NATO assets involved in the deployment include fighter aircraft and naval vessels patrolling surrounding waters.

Denmark and NATO Increase Arctic Commitments

Denmark and NATO have both reiterated their intention to assume greater responsibility for security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic. Copenhagen has announced plans to invest more than USD 13.7 billion to strengthen defense and security capabilities across these regions.