Uncertain times in Europe create the need for more military exercises. One of NATO’s largest military exercises in Norway is currently underway. It has been named Cold Respons. Crown Prince Haakon visited this exercise on March 21st 2022 and was clear in his message that NATO and Norway stand together.
During a press conference during the visit the Crown Prince said: “One of the mainstays of our defence policy is, after all, NATO cooperation. Then it is important that our allies can come here. That is what we are now doing through “Cold Respons. So it is clear that this cooperation is very important for Norway”.
The exercise is taking place in many places in Norway, with the aim of giving NATO forces the knowledge needed to do combat in extremely cold areas. The Crown Prince had travelled to northern Norway, the city of Narvik, and visited those who stayed there. The Crown Prince said he was impressed with the work that is being done.
His Royal Highness said: “There are 27 countries and 30,000 soldiers involved and it is impressive to see. For Norway, NATO is a mainstay of our defence policy. It is then important that our allies practice here. At the same time, I am glad that Finland and Sweden are involved so that we work closely with the other Nordic countries”.
Crown Prince Haakon also spoke about the crash of an American V-22 Osprey plane in the Beiarn mountains in Northern Norway on March 18th 2022. Four American soldiers died in the accident. The cause of the crash is not known. The Crown Prince describes last week’s plane crash as a tragedy. He further said: “We would have liked to have been without that, but at the same time there is a certain risk in the operations that are carried out. One also tries to make it as safe as possible, yet unfortunately such accidents happen. It is something you do not hope will happen”.
