Joint Viking 2025: 12 March - Total Defence exercise - evac Harstad
On March 12, a Total Defence exercise will take place in Harstad, focusing on crisis response and interagency cooperation. The exercise will involve the Norwegian Armed Forces, emergency services, the Civil Defence, and Harstad Municipality.
Summary
- What: Exercise scenarios simulating attacks on civilians and traffic incidents with hazardous chemicals. Mission execution in the Total Defence framework. Media is invited to participate in parts of the programme for interview, photo and video opportunities.
- Time: Wednesday 12th of March, at 08:30 AM
- Where: Harstad
- Stangneshallen, Valanveien 2, 9409 Harstad
- Registration: Media must register here
Press contacts for the Norwegian Armed Forces:
- E-mail: info@mil.no
- Mobile: +47 40 43 80 83
Additional information
On March 12, a Total Defence exercise will take place in Harstad, focusing on crisis response and interagency cooperation. The exercise will involve the police, fire and rescue services, municipal crisis management, healthcare services, Norwegian People’s Aid, Naval Medical Services (SAN SJØ), Civil Defence, UNN Harstad, and the municipal healthcare service.
The first scenario will simulate an attack on evacuees traveling in two buses near Stangnes Base. Emergency responders will be alerted, and efforts will focus on triage, casualty management, and evacuation to a medical center or UNN Harstad. Stangneshallen will serve as an evacuation and next-of-kin center, managed by the municipal crisis team and supporting agencies.
The second scenario will involve a collision between two vehicles at Stangnes Base, one of which is classified as a hostile unit carrying hazardous chemicals. This event will require a coordinated response from the Home Guard, fire and rescue services, and Civil Defence. The focus will be on effective alert procedures, interagency coordination, and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) threat management. The exercise aims to strengthen cooperation between military and civilian emergency services, ensuring a well-coordinated response to complex security threats.
Harstad, March 12: One warning system will be activated at Stangnes High School at approximately 09:00 AM.
Read more about Joint Viking 2025 here