Ten German naval ships engage in missile firing at Norwegian Arctic test range

The frigate Sachsen leads the German contingent in the Maritime Firing Exercise (MFEMissile Firing Exercise) off the Norwegian coast of Andøya.
Photo: Bundeswehr/Marineflieger

The German Navy starts its largest naval firing exercise in decades off the coast of Andøya, Norwegian Sea.

Ship traffic information shows nine German naval vessels sailing in the waters around the far northern Norwegian island. The ships are part of a major two-week maritime naval exercise.

According to the German Navy, the flagship of the fleet is the frigate F219 Sachsen. Also corvettes, supply ships, and a submarine are taking part in the drills. 

The training is part of the country’s annual Maritime Firing Exercise. It takes place from 13 to 24 October 2025.

This year’s exercise is the largest naval firing exercise in decades. In the two-week period, up to 54 missile launches, as well as torpedo and artillery firings, will be conducted in the area, the Navy reports.

Also units from the German Army and Air Force, as well as international partners, are participating.

“This firing exercise is not only proof of Germany’s deterrence capability, but also shows that the Navy is ready for action in the defence of the country and the alliance. The German Navy is thus demonstrating that it is ready to use its capabilities at any time, regardless of the sea area,” a statement reads.

The Andøya firing range is located in the northern part of Norway, about 300 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. It is used by several allied countries. According to the Germans, the area is the first choice for naval firing exercises. It is located in geographical proximity to Germany and offers large sea areas for test for missiles and other kinds of weapons.

In connection with the exercise, the Andøya Space has issued a warning to ships sailing in the area.