Two U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles released glide bombs off Norway’s coast, which were subsequently redirected by Norwegian personnel using real-time data transmitted through a secure digital link. Targeting information was sourced from multiple sensors, including Norway’s P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, enabling the munitions to adjust their course and strike designated targets with precision.
This is a monumental achievement, not only for Norway and the U.S., but also potentially for Allies across NATO
“This is a monumental achievement, not only for Norway and the U.S., but also potentially for Allies across NATO,” said Colonel Roger Samuelsen, Commander of the Norwegian Battle Lab & Experimentation (NOBLE). “NATO Allied Command Transformation has shown keen interest in this Norwegian concept we've developed at NOBLE.
Targeting information was sourced from multiple sensors, including Norway’s P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, enabling the munitions to adjust their course and strike designated targets with precision. Photo courtesy of the the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
"The NOBLE NEW project is included in ACT CD&E Programme of Work as a national-led project. Since the implementation is based on a high degree of trust and integration between close Allies, this project is truly and literally enhancing interoperability and cohesion of assets within the Alliance.”
Networked weapons can receive mid-flight updates from external sensors, allowing dynamic target prioritisation and enhancing safety. The delivery platform does not need to visualise the target, enabling operations at increased range while minimising exposure to threats. This capability increases precision and reduces the risk of collateral damage.
Work on a Norwegian Joint Operational Concept for network weapons began in 2019 in response to the introduction of multiple advanced platforms, including the F-35, the P-8 and the Joint Strike Missile. Recognising the need for a unified approach across air, maritime and land domains, NOBLE developed an integrated operational concept that emphasises synchronised planning and multi-domain coordination.
Vice Admiral Rune Andersen, Chief of the Norwegian Armed Forces' Operational Headquarters, said: “Our ability to deliver power at a distance and with precision is becoming an increasingly important part of our defence concept.”
NOBLE’s role in driving innovation within Norway’s defence sector reflects the government's commitment to enhanced cooperation between the armed forces, research institutions and industry. As a central node for concept development and experimentation, NOBLE supports NATO’s emphasis on interoperability and innovation, reinforcing the Alliance’s readiness and technological edge.
“Jotun Strike isn’t just a joint exercise — it’s a demonstration of what warfighting looks like in the future," added U.S. Captain Brett Stell from Royal Air Force Lakenheath. "A weapon launched from a U.S. platform was guided by a Norwegian sensor across domains and distances.”
Jotun Strike is a subset exercise of NATO’s multinational live-fire Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) exercise, Formidable Shield 25, which ran from May 1 to 31, 2025. Formidable Shield is the largest live-fire naval exercise in Europe, primarily executed from Norway and the United Kingdom. The scenarios included a series of complex Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) and Air Defence (AD) missions in a complex operating environment.