Summary: In a riveting NATO wargame named Operation Nordic Response 2024, the French frigate Normandie achieved a simulated victory over a German submarine in Norway. This exercise underscored the critical importance of anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Despite facing a challenging environment in the Scandinavian fjords, the French crew, utilizing the Normandie's helicopter and sonar technologies, identified and "destroyed" the German sub, demonstrating the realism and value of such training exercises. This event, part of a series of drills in the Baltic Sea and Scandinavia, not only highlights the strategic importance of the region, given its proximity to Russian military bases but also reinforces NATO's commitment to interoperability and preparedness in the face of potential threats.

French Frigate Normandie "Sinks" German Sub in High-Stakes NATO Wargame

In a simulated clash reminiscent of World War Two, the French warship, the Normandie, managed to “sink” the German sub. 

The exercise in Norway showed the importance of anti-submarine warfare drills. 

The French warship did not have an easy job. In the days before the clash, the German submarine delivered an imaginary torpedo hit to the Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi. In similar exercises, submarines have managed to penetrate the defenses of aircraft carriers and score hits against big flattops.  

As soon as the French crew understood that an “enemy” submarine was in the area, it scrambled into action. 

One of the newest warships of the French Navy, the Normandie launched its helicopter to help spot the submarine through sonar. It soon succeeded. 

“Intelligence confirmed to us that there were no friendly submarines in the sector, so we were certain that it was an enemy submarine,” the NH90 helicopter pilot who helped track the German submarine said.  

Although the German submarine was more familiar with the Scandinavian fjords, the French crew managed to overcome its disadvantage and score a hit against the German sub. 

As soon as the French crew spotted the German submarine, it fired a munition that “destroyed” the threat, winning the day for the Normandie. 

Capt. Thomas Vuong, the commanding officer of the Normandie, told the Associated Press the exercise was “extremely beneficial, because we reach a very high degree of realism and so we better prepare our teams.”

“The fjords are a special environment, with a temperature profile different to what we know in the Atlantic. To be able to train our teams here, against this threat, is extremely valuable and extremely stimulating. This is their playing field. So they know the hiding places,” the French naval officer added. 

Operation Nordic Response 2024

The clash between the two NATO warships was part of Operation Nordic Response 2024, a series of wargames in the Baltic Sea and Scandinavia. 

Although the area is surrounded by NATO countries – including Sweden, the newest member-state – Russia has a presence as well. St. Petersburg sits in the Gulf of Finland, in the region’s east. But most important is the Kaliningrad exclave sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania. Kaliningrad is essentially a big military base that houses nuclear weapons. The Russian Navy has been sending submarines in the Baltic waters to spy or to train in very realistic conditions. 

These exercises help militaries identify weaknesses and work to prevent operational mistakes. In addition, they enhance interoperability. NATO is an alliance. In a potential war with Russia, all countries would be expected to contribute to the conflict and fight closely together.

About the Author 

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

Image Credit: Creative Commons.