Exercise Green Eel tests cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare tactics in Norway’s challenging waters
For two weeks, Royal Navy Merlin Mk2 helicopters from the United Kingdom took on Norwegian and German submarines in a complex underwater intelligence battle in Norway’s fjords. The mission was part of the international exercise Green Eel, which brought together naval forces from the UK, Norway, and Germany.
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The aircraft departed from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, heading to the stunning Norwegian air base Haakonsvern Helikopter, located atop a cliff overlooking the fjords near Bergen. The operation involved two helicopter flights — one each from 824 and 814 Naval Air Squadrons — supported by more than 80 personnel, including aircrew and ground crew.
The primary objective was to aggressively locate and track real operational submarines in a complex underwater environment. The exercise targets were the Norwegian submarine HNoMS Utvaer and the German submarine U34.
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Also participating in the simulation were the Norwegian frigate HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl, other Royal Norwegian Navy ships, and the German support vessel FGS Main.
This marked the second time Culdrose pilots have taken part in Exercise Green Eel. Lieutenant Commander Steve Hayton, helicopter instructor of 824 Naval Air Squadron, emphasized the significance of the operation: “The team welcomed the chance to return to the fjords, where the challenging conditions provide an excellent opportunity to sharpen our anti-submarine warfare capabilities.”
Source and images: Royal Navy. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
