Winter military exercises are under way in northern Norway

Some 20,000 troops are taking place in operation Joint Viking, and the closely linked naval exercise Joint Warrior.

Some 20,000 soldiers from nine countries along with 50 aircraft and 40 vessels are taking part in the Joint Viking winter exercise currently under way in northern Norway.

The aim of the exercise is to increase preparedness and capability to conduct large-scale joint operations in challenging weather and climate.

Most of the participants come from Norway and the rest from Canada, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The exercise, which is held every two years, is the largest exercise held in Norway this year.

Of the 20,000 soldiers, 12,000 are taking part in Joint Viking, while 8,000 take part in the British-led naval exercise Joint Warrior.

Joint Warrior takes place in the sea along the Norwegian coast and is closely connected with Joint Viking.

This article has been fact-checked by Arctic Today and Polar Research and Policy Initiative, with the support of the EMIF managed by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

Disclaimer: The sole responsibility for any content supported by the European Media and Information Fund lies with the author(s) and it may not necessarily reflect the positions of the EMIF and the Fund Partners, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the European University Institute.