In spring 2023, NATO thwarted a secret Russian operation near the Svalbard (Spitsbergen) archipelago. Russia was conducting a clandestine exercise involving testing a weapon designed to silently disable critical undersea communication cables. The operation was carried out by Russia's underwater warfare main directorate using mini-submarines capable of deep diving, simulating the use of advanced and destructive technology. NATO's counter-operation included naval and aerial units from Norway, the United States, and the United Kingdom. These allied forces intercepted and monitored the Russian vessels, preventing the continuation of the exercise, after which the Russian ships left the area. Norway participated with a surveillance aircraft and a frigate, while the UK contributed a frigate, aircraft, and personnel. The NATO operation was publicly partially confirmed in April 2023 by Norway's Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik and the UK Defence Minister John Healey.

In spring 2023, NATO thwarted a secret Russian operation near the Svalbard (Spitsbergen) archipelago. Russia was conducting a clandestine exercise involving testing a weapon designed to silently disable critical undersea communication cables. The operation was carried out by Russia's underwater warfare main directorate using mini-submarines capable of deep diving, simulating the use of advanced and destructive technology. NATO's counter-operation included naval and aerial units from Norway, the United States, and the United Kingdom. These allied forces intercepted and monitored the Russian vessels, preventing the continuation of the exercise, after which the Russian ships left the area. Norway participated with a surveillance aircraft and a frigate, while the UK contributed a frigate, aircraft, and personnel. The NATO operation was publicly partially confirmed in April 2023 by Norway's Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik and the UK Defence Minister John Healey.