“Welcome to THOR’S HAMMER!” announced LCol Frode Ringdal, Norwegian Trial Manager as he held a replica of Mjölnir in the air at the opening ceremony of Exercise THOR’S HAMMER 2026 (TH26).
Hosted at Camp Rødsmoen, Norway in May and June, exercise THOR’S HAMMER is an Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) trials and evaluation event hosted by partner nations on a biennial rotation. Since its inception in 2015, THOR’S HAMMER has grown significantly, becoming one of Canada’s key international interoperability and effectiveness exercises for testing EW equipment in environments with varied experience, systems, and expertise. Initially focused on the Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) threat in Afghanistan, the exercise now includes Uncrewed Systems (UxS), reflecting lessons from the war in Ukraine.
This year marked the sixth iteration, with an expanded role for the Canadian Armed Forces . THOR’S HAMMER 2026 included running a dedicated evaluation lane with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), providing equipment for testing, and supporting partner nations with personnel to strengthen collaboration and partnerships.
“The Cellular Effectiveness Lane demonstrates how international partners build interoperability,” explains Niki Galagedara, Research Engineer with DRDC’s Communications Threat Analysis Group. “A simulated tower and mobile base station create shared, realistic networks for testing and collaboration. Here, nations align systems and procedures, improving compatibility, coordination, and resilience, ensuring forces can operate seamlessly in complex environments and respond effectively to emerging cellular threats.”
TH26 provided members of the Communications and Electronics Branch exposure to aspects of EW they do not often encounter, including signals analysis and the employment of Force Protection Electronic Countermeasures (FP-ECM).
“Seeing how different nations conduct Electromagnetic Warfare has given me a clearer understanding of how future conflicts may be fought,” says Sgt Matthew Cochrane of 39 Signals Regiment. “I had the opportunity to assist in both the Cellular Effectiveness and RCIED lanes, which highlighted the importance of interoperability with our allies. I look forward to applying these lessons in training at my home unit.”
THOR’S HAMMER 26 was successful, highlighting strong interoperability while identifying gaps requiring further research, testing, and international cooperation. THOR’S HAMMER 28 will be hosted by Canada at Canadian Forces Base Suffield in Alberta, where partners will continue to train against UxS and RCIED threats.
“Ukraine has shown that dominating the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) is no longer optional,” says Warrant Officer (Master Gunner) Matt Kalil, Canada’s Head of Delegation. “The EMS is critical to the SHIELD function of the Canadian Army. We must develop and maintain a robust FP-ECM capability to prevent avoidable casualties. TH26 builds essential partnerships and helps revitalize the Canadian Army’s Land Electronic Warfare Centre. We have significant work ahead before TH28—it starts now.”