The purpose of the exercise is to test the capabilities of Iceland and its NATO allies, as well as increase the readiness of the forces involved and their inter-operability.
The United States Navy, in a press release, described 2022's exercise as "a hunt for adversary submarines" and "visit, board, search and seizure missions on suspect vessels.
"[1] Northern Viking 2011 was held by the Icelandic Coast Guard and the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE).
Northern Viking 2008 was held by the Icelandic Defence Agency and the United States European Command (EUCOM).
Northern Viking 2007 was held by the Icelandic MFA Office of Defence and the United States European Command (EUCOM).