Military exercise “Cold Response”: Norway is rehearsing the defense case

Starting today, Norway is practicing national defense with NATO partners. More than 30,000 soldiers are involved in the “Cold Response” maneuver. There is no connection with the current security situation, emphasized Norway’s military.

Norway has been preparing for one of the largest military exercises since the end of the Cold War for months. Since then, soldiers from other countries have been coming to the country. By the end of the month it should be more than 30,000. “Cold Response” is a traditional winter exercise rehearsing the defense of the country.

But this year there is little trace of tradition and routine, says Norwegian soldier Vilde Vårdal: “We don’t yet know exactly how the exercise will go. But it will strengthen our cooperation.”

“Exercises Across the Country”

It’s not just the soldiers who travel here from almost 30 NATO member states and their partner countries. They also bring weapons and vehicles. Most come from the US, UK and France. The exercises take place on the water, in the air and on land.

“We are now starting this week with maritime forces. NATO troops are being transferred to Norway,” explains the head of the Norwegian armed forces, Yngve Odlo. “The exercises will then initially extend from Trøndlag in central Norway to the north. Starting next week, exercises will take place all over the country – from southern Fredrikstad to northern Nordkjosbotn.”

“Russia has known the exercise for a long time”

Some roads will have to be closed, shots will be heard: Norwegians will feel the presence of the troops for a month. Commander Odlo emphasizes that this is a routine exercise that has been planned for a long time to test the country’s defense under difficult climatic conditions.

There is no acute connection with the currently tense security situation, says Odlo. However, transparency is more important than ever, and all members of the 57 OSCE States have been invited to send observers to the exercise. Henrik Urdal from the Oslo Peace Research Institute PRIO believes that this could even be an opportunity in these tense times.

“Russia has also known about the exercise for a long time. I would have thought it wrong if it had been canceled or downsized because of the war in Ukraine.” That would simply have been the wrong signal, says the scientist. “The exercises help the troops, but also the observers of the countries to better understand processes.”

Apparently no threat to Norway

Russia has declined the invitation to send observers, but said it appreciates transparency. Until April 10, the international troops will jointly rehearse the defense of Norway.

At the moment, however, there is no reason to think that a case of defense could really occur in the near future, says commander Odlo. At the border with Russia everything is as usual, there is no threat to Norway.