Story perspectives

NATO Northern Viking Drill Targets Russian Submarines Without U.S.

9/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Icelandic defense chief Jónas Allansson said NATO held the Northern Viking drill without U.S. ships or aircraft.
French Rear Admiral Nicolas Molitor commanded the exercise, coordinating German, Canadian, Belgian, and Lithuanian forces.
The drills targeted Russian nuclear submarines moving through the GIUK gap near Iceland.
U.S. Navy engineers are building facilities at Keflavik Airport while U.S. planners helped design the drill.

History

Historical Context

1979’s NATO Exercise Northern Wedding sent over 30 warships through the GIUK gap to deter Soviet submarines, establishing an Atlantic drill tradition. Iceland’s Northern Viking, shifted to an annual schedule in 2006, transferred 400 foreign troops in 2008 to test multinational naval and air interoperability. Today French Rear Admiral Nicolas Molitor leads German, Canadian, Belgian and Lithuanian forces, reaffirming NATO’s resolve against Russian naval activity.

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Story summary

Icelandic defense chief Jónas Allansson said NATO held the Northern Viking drill without U.S. ships or aircraft.
French Rear Admiral Nicolas Molitor commanded the exercise, coordinating German, Canadian, Belgian, and Lithuanian forces.
The drills targeted Russian nuclear submarines moving through the GIUK gap near Iceland.
U.S. Navy engineers are building facilities at Keflavik Airport while U.S. planners helped design the drill.

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