U.S. Navy Launches High-Tech Unmanned Systems During Bilateral Exercise with Norway

U.S. Navy expeditionary forces are operating in the High North to deploy and test advanced Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) May 4-24, 2026, during an unmanned systems and explosive ordnance disposal EOD exercise with Norway, strengthening their bilateral posture in the Arctic.

These first-of-its-kind maneuvers focus on rapidly employing unmanned systems in one of the world's most austere maritime environments.

The combined effort between Commander, Task Force 66 (CTF 66) and Commander, Task Force 68 (CTF 68) aims to validate a full spectrum of defensive capabilities, including mine countermeasures, protection of critical undersea infrastructure, and maritime domain awareness/intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The training leverages the unique geographical expertise of the Norwegian Armed Forces, who possess an exceptional understanding of the operating environment in the High North.

"Our deployment of sophisticated unmanned surface and underwater vehicles in the High North is a landmark moment," said Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet. "We are pushing the boundaries of innovation in the most challenging environmental conditions, proving these technologies can provide a critical defensive edge anywhere in the world."

During the training, U.S. Navy forces are using a suite of unmanned surface vessels (USV) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) to detect, identify, and neutralize threats, while building on interoperability and sharing cold-weather operating procedures with Norway. This collaborative effort enhances the combined force's ability to safeguard the seas both above and below the surface.

"This exercise is strengthening the security and surveillance in the Arctic and High North," said Commodore Kyrre Haugen, Chief of the Fleet, Royal Norwegian Navy. "Together with our Allies, we are now exploring and testing the use of unmanned systems in this type of operation. By combining advanced autonomous systems with Norwegian experience in this environment, we enhance both situational awareness and our ability to protect critical maritime infrastructure."

Personnel from CTF 66 and Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3, Division 32, are testing the feasibility of complex USV operations from Ramsund. By employing advanced assets, including the high-speed Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) and the long-endurance Lightfish USV, CTF 66 is validating these USVs' contributions to overall MDA, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, including fjords.

"These maneuvers are a critical step in developing our unmanned capabilities in the Arctic," said Capt. Jeremy Wheat, commander of Task Force 68. "This is no longer science fiction. We are using the most cutting-edge technology to advance how we protect and defend the maritime domain, from surface to seabed. The lessons learned here will define how we operate in the High North for years to come."

Additionally, CTF 68 expeditionary personnel are working directly with Norwegian explosive ordnance disposal divers. Equipped with specialized dive gear and unmanned underwater assets, the Allied teams are focused on how to effectively and safely neutralize explosive hazards, including historical ordnance primarily from World Wars I and II. These remnants pose a threat to all mariners regardless of flag.

"Our naval expeditionary partnership with Norway in the High North is built on years of mutual respect and shared experience," said Wheat. "This engagement allows us to take this collaboration to the next level."

By building on the unique bilateral strengths of the U.S. and Norway, this exercise fortifies their ability to protect vital undersea and maritime domains through groundbreaking expeditionary operations.

CTF 66 is U.S. 6th Fleet's premier all-domain task force, established in May 2024 to accelerate the integration of robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) with manned platforms. Based in Naples, Italy, CTF 66 focuses on maritime domain awareness, counter-unmanned system operations, and asymmetric warfighting, often leveraging lessons learned to enhance security across the European and African theaters.

CTF 68, headquartered in Rota, Spain, is a part of the U.S. 6th Fleet and commands all Naval Expeditionary Combat Forces in U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces bridge the gap from sea to shore and provide expeditionary capabilities in remote, complex and austere environments.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with Allied and interagency partners, to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa.