US Army tests Arctic readiness in NATO exercise
U.S. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade recently participated in Joint Viking 25, a Norwegian-led, multinational exercise designed to enhance NATO interoperability and improve long-range fire capabilities in the Arctic.
The exercise demonstrated international fire integration across multiple levels, validating communication and operational capabilities among allied forces. Lt. Col. Benjamin Roark, commander of the 1-6 FAR, underscored the successful integration of multinational observers with U.S. and Norwegian fire control systems, stating, “We were able to successfully integrate from a multinational observer up on a hill—be it German, Norwegian, or American—all the way down through our federated communication fires system. From the Norwegian fire control system to the American system, and all the way down to our launchers, we showed we can effectively shoot our way to success with a truly multinational and integrated digital fires system. It showed and proved all aspects of interoperability.”
Joint Viking 25 involved military personnel from the United States, Norway, Finland, Germany, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. It aimed to test NATO’s capability to operate cohesively under extreme Arctic conditions. Capt. Leone Phuong, commander of Charlie Battery, 1-6 FAR, noted the importance of experiencing the harsh environment firsthand, emphasizing the strategic necessity of such exercises for real-world preparedness.
One essential aspect was the integration of fire direction control systems via the Artillery Skills Coordination Activities (ASCA) protocol, which enables communication across allied nations’ fire systems. Sgt. 1st Class Logan Rapp highlighted the significance of practicing such complex integrations to prevent operational errors during actual missions.
The 1-6 FAR deployed M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) from Grafenwoehr, Germany, to Setermoen, Norway, successfully executing live-fire exercises demonstrating precision strikes despite challenging conditions. Lt. Col. Roark reinforced the strategic value of long-range artillery, stating, “Long range fires provide a commander with the opportunity to target areas well beyond a maneuver element’s ability and ultimately shape the battlefield.”
The exercise was observed by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, who emphasized NATO’s role as fundamental to Norway’s defense and security. He stressed the importance of allied troops training in Norwegian winter conditions.
