Netherlands to Deploy Amphibious Transport Ship for "Arctic Sentinel" Operation

The Dutch Ministry of Defense announced on the 13th local time that the amphibious transport ship “HNLMS Johan de Witt” will be dispatched to northern Norway on the 16th to participate in the “Cold Response” military exercise, which has been incorporated into the “Arctic Sentinel” operation. The Dutch Ministry of Defense said the transport ship is deployed with the maritime operations command, the Marine Corps, and helicopter units including two NH90 maritime combat helicopters. “Cold Response” is a Norway-led military exercise held every two years. This year’s exercise will take place from March 9 to 20, involving approximately 25,000 military personnel from 14 NATO countries, with operations covering waters and land around Norway and Finland. NATO Allied Command Operations recently announced the launch of a multi-domain military operation codenamed “Arctic Sentinel,” aimed at strengthening NATO’s persistent presence in the Arctic and the “High North” region. “Cold Response” has been incorporated into this operation. The “Arctic Sentinel” operation is led by NATO’s Norfolk Joint Force Command. (CCTV News)