In the Norwegian Sea, a contingent of Norway’s Coastal Rangers executed a live ship-boarding operation during NATO’s Joint Viking 2025 exercise. This elite unit, trained for operations in the littoral combat zone, practiced transitioning from one vessel to a larger Norwegian Coast Guard ship, employing minimal equipment like a hook and ladder. Their training is crucial in scenarios where NATO anticipates that adversaries might use ships disguised as civilian or research vessels to sabotage undersea infrastructure in European waters.

The Norwegian Coastal Rangers, a compact yet dynamic force of about 150 members, undertake a variety of missions from coastal raids to intelligence gathering. Their role has become increasingly vital as the specter of sabotage by hostile forces grows, particularly after Russian activities noted in the Norwegian Police Security Services’ annual report. Norway’s proximity to Russia, with a shared Arctic border and maritime frontier in the Barents Sea, heightens the strategic importance of this unit.
Recent exercises have highlighted not only the physical challenges of their marine operations but also issues like electromagnetic interference which has grown more prevalent over recent years. Despite this, there has been no noted increase in the presence of unauthorized or sanctioned vessels. The Norwegian defense sector is responding by enhancing the capabilities of its units, particularly through the adoption of cutting-edge technology. Among the planned upgrades are the addition of long-range maritime surveillance drones to resist the harsh Arctic conditions better.
Norway aims to integrate these advanced unmanned aerial systems into its defense network at Andøya Air Station. With temperatures that can plummet below -10 degrees Celsius, the challenges of operating in the Arctic necessitate equipment with greater endurance and resistance to battery drain. The Defense Ministry has sought out U.S. manufacturers for these systems, with General Atomics offering its MQ-9B SeaGuardian, which promises comprehensive maritime surveillance capabilities and could potentially support Norway’s fleet of P-8 patrol aircraft in anti-submarine warfare missions.

Undercover Drone Boat Designed to Track Enemies or Pirates Worldwide
In a groundbreaking development, a stealth drone boat has been created to secretly pursue pirates across the globe. This innovative vessel, engineered by a team of experts, is set to revolutionize maritime security and combat the rising threat of piracy.

The unmanned boat, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, boasts an impressive array of features. Its sleek design and advanced camouflage system allow it to blend seamlessly into the ocean environment, making it virtually undetectable to the naked eye. The drone is powered by a hybrid engine, combining electric and diesel propulsion, enabling it to cover vast distances silently and efficiently.
Equipped with sophisticated surveillance equipment, including high-resolution cameras, radar, and sonar, the drone boat can track pirate vessels from a safe distance without arousing suspicion. It can transmit real-time data to naval authorities, providing them with crucial information to plan and execute counter-piracy operations.
The brainchild of a leading defense contractor, this stealth drone boat is designed to operate autonomously for extended periods. Its artificial intelligence system allows it to navigate challenging waters, avoid obstacles, and adapt to changing weather conditions. The vessel can also be remotely controlled by operators located thousands of miles away when necessary.
Experts believe that this undercover drone boat could be a game-changer in the fight against piracy, which costs the global economy billions of dollars annually. By providing a discreet and persistent presence in pirate-infested waters, the vessel aims to deter criminal activities and gather vital intelligence.
The development of this stealth drone boat comes at a critical time, as pirate attacks have surged in various regions, including the Gulf of Guinea, the Malacca Straits, and off the coast of Somalia. Maritime security forces have struggled to keep pace with the evolving tactics of well-armed and organized pirate groups.
While the exact specifications and deployment timeline of the drone boat remain classified, its creators are confident that it will significantly enhance the capabilities of navies and coast guards worldwide. As the vessel undergoes final testing and refinements, anticipation grows for its potential to transform the landscape of maritime security and bring an end to the scourge of modern-day piracy.
Discover more from AMERICA 24
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.