The Royal Navy frigate HMS Iron Duke has concluded the initial phase of its winter deployment in the Baltic Sea, playing a pivotal role in the NATO exercise Freezing Winds.

The Portsmouth-based vessel joined naval forces from 15 NATO countries in the nine-day operation, which focused on securing vital sea routes, conducting amphibious warfare, and addressing simulated crisis scenarios.

The exercise, led by Finland, served as a key milestone in the country's ongoing integration into NATO. It also brought together two of NATO's northern European task groups, the Standing Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) and Standing Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1), highlighting the growing collaboration within the alliance.

“Operating with Finland as one of our newest NATO allies was a privilege,” remarked Lieutenant Commander Paul Harsent, HMS Iron Duke’s Gunnery Officer. “Throughout the exercise, the Ship’s Company demonstrated our ability to perform effectively in demanding warfighting scenarios.”

The deployment underscores the Royal Navy's strong commitment to NATO partnerships. Nearly 4,000 personnel from across the alliance participated in the exercise, showcasing a unified approach to regional security.

Commander David Armstrong, the ship’s Commanding Officer, emphasized the significance of joint operations:
“The Royal Navy and NATO have never been closer. Exercises like Freezing Winds are invaluable opportunities to demonstrate our seamless cooperation with partner nations. These efforts bolster security and safeguard underwater infrastructure—an essential task in today’s strategic environment.”

Despite relatively mild weather for the region, with temperatures around 0°C accompanied by snow and sleet, the exercise challenged participants with complex scenarios and environmental hurdles. A key asset during the operation was HMS Iron Duke’s Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, which performed critical day and night missions, including warship detection, surveillance, and surface warfare training.

The exercise also aligned with HMS Iron Duke’s visit to Riga, Latvia, coinciding with the nation’s Independence Day celebrations, further strengthening ties between NATO allies in the Baltic region. Following its participation in Freezing Winds, the frigate has docked in snowy Tallinn, Estonia, for additional operations.

The next phase of the deployment will see HMS Iron Duke participate in a Joint Expeditionary Force exercise before returning to Portsmouth in time for the holiday season. Photo by royalnavy.mod.uk, Wikimedia commons.