THE HAGUE, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands confirmed on Friday that the amphibious transport ship HNLMS Johan de Witt will depart for northern Norway on Feb. 16 to take part in Exercise Cold Response.
Cold Response, scheduled for March 9-20, is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise held biennially. Last week, NATO announced that the exercise will now be incorporated into Arctic Sentry, a broader initiative aimed at strengthening the alliance's presence across the Arctic and highlighting the region's growing strategic importance.
According to the ministry's press release, in addition to HNLMS Johan de Witt, units from the Dutch Marine Corps and the Defence Helicopter Command will participate, including two NH90 maritime combat helicopters. The Maritime Battle Staff will also embark as the operational headquarters responsible for maritime command and control.
Approximately 25,000 military personnel from 14 countries are expected to take part in the large-scale NATO exercise under Arctic conditions. Activities will be conducted on land as well as in the waters surrounding Norway and Finland.
HNLMS Johan de Witt is an amphibious transport dock that integrates multiple capabilities, functioning as an airbase, seaport, vehicle deck, hospital facility, accommodation platform and communications center. ■