Together and determined - credible deterrence is the key to success

When ships from different nations form up at sea, sensors work in synchronisation and crews make joint decisions under high pressure, more than just a military situation picture is created. A clear signal is sent: unity and determination. Mjølner 2026 stands for precisely this signal. In a world in which the security situation is characterised by crisis dynamics, it is clear that deterrence does not work through words - but through credible capabilities. Or, as Baloo puts it: „Deterrence is not what you say, it's what you can do and prove.“ Baloo is the nickname of the experienced officer and operator who is the brain behind this year's Mjølner manoeuvre in Norway. He is the brains behind the tactical shooting exercise. The Mjølner 2026 exercise format is a multinational manoeuvre by operators for operators and has been held every two years since 2016. This year, five nations are actively participating in the manoeuvre as well as Sweden and Lithuania as observers. In addition to the eight ships, soldiers from the Norwegian land forces are also taking part and training to secure a resupply harbour.

Internationally stronger

The exercise unites Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Germany with the common goal of raising operational readiness and cooperation to a level that will enable them to survive in an emergency. Different ships, weapon systems and procedures come together here in tactical combat shooting - and have to function as a unit. This shows that strength does not come from sameness, but from harmonised diversity. „We don't have to be identical. We have to be interoperable,“ explains Staff Captain Lieutenant Baloo during a briefing. Naval units are always made up of different types of ships for specific tasks such as air defence or submarine hunting.

In this realistic training under complex conditions, the exercise scenario is run until a threat has been fully combated - even when time pressure and uncertainty increase or things don't work perfectly straight away. „Especially in wars, conflicts and other dynamic military situations, we often find ourselves in the „fog of war“, an operational fog, as we don't have all the information we need for a complete picture of the situation,“ says Baloo.

Credible deterrence - more than a concept

‚Credible deterrence‘ means making it clear to potential opponents: An attack would have consequences. But this message is only effective if it is based on real capabilities. Modern systems, precise processes and well-coordinated teams are crucial. From long-range sensor systems to coordinated firepower and fast decision-making processes - everything has to work together. But technology alone is not enough. „Equipment and weapon systems give you the ability to defend yourself. People are what make deterrence credible in the first place,“ emphasises Baloo. It is the interplay of training, experience and attitude that creates the credibility that makes deterrence effective.

Determination

What makes MJØLNER special is its proximity to reality. The participants train under conditions that are as close as possible to an emergency situation: unclear situations, limited information and high decision-making pressure. This determination is no coincidence. It is the result of intensive preparation, clear structures and a shared understanding of mission and responsibility. It took almost two years to develop the content and plan this maritime manoeuvre. Or, as Baloo concludes: „Deterrence works when there is no doubt about it.“

Text: Bw/Janine Pirrwitz

Photos: Bw/Leon Rodewald/Julia Kelm