The German Navy has completed its largest missile firing exercise in the North Sea in three decades. During Maritime Firing Exercise 2025, complex weapon systems were successfully tested under extreme conditions.
From October 6 to 24, 2025, the German Navy‘s largest missile firing exercise in three decades took place. The Maritime Firing Exercise 2025 (MFE) was conducted off the coast of Norway in the Norwegian Sea.
“The Maritime Firing Exercise 2025 impressively demonstrated what our Navy is capable of. With the successful testing of the IRIS-T missile system at sea and the precise firing performance of all participating units, we have demonstrated our ability to provide credible maritime defense. This exercise exemplifies the high level of professionalism, technical skill and operational readiness of our crews – even under extreme conditions in the Arctic Ocean,” said Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, Chief of Naval Operations.
The aim of the exercise was to train the complex weapon systems and procedures under realistic conditions. Despite challenging weather and sea conditions, 300 km north of the Arctic Circle, all exercises went smoothly. Captain Florian Feld led a German formation – consisting of numerous frigates, corvettes, a submarine, supply ships and on-board helicopters – from the flagship frigate “Sachsen”.
Focus on air defense system
He summed up after the conclusion of MFE 2025: “We can look back on two extremely intensive weeks of exercises in the sea area off Andøya. Excellent results were achieved in very realistic operational scenarios. The participating units successfully demonstrated their operational capability in sometimes challenging external conditions. The crews deserve a Bravo Zulu and my appreciation.”
A particular focus this year was on the first-time testing of the IRIS-T missile system on a floating unit of the German Navy. The system, which also provides operational support as a land-based version, was successfully tested.
Other key aspects of the exercise were the close cooperation with the German Air Force and the German Army in the context of joint tactical fire support. A total of ten German Navy units from all naval units took part in MFE 2025.
