The sign for Jomsborg base in Poland, pictured last week.

The Jomsborg base opened in 10/2025 as part of Operation Legion, a Norway-led initiative, serving as a training center for Ukrainian soldiers.

The training program includes basic, advanced, and specialized courses for assault infantry, combat medics, and squad leaders. The center maintains regular contact with Ukrainian frontline units, updating its curriculum based on real battlefield developments.

Construction of the Jomsborg base was swift, with approximately 75,000 trees cleared to create a large open space within the dense forest. Timber remains stacked along the entrance to the center.

The base replicates various combat environments Ukrainian soldiers may encounter on the front lines, such as trenches, dense forests, urban areas, and open fields.

Trenches at Jomsborg base.

Several large areas are used for exercises, where Western forces role-play as Russian troops, engaging Ukrainian soldiers with tanks, armored vehicles, Soviet-era moto, and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).

Other areas feature extensive trench networks, allowing Ukrainian personnel to learn how to capture, defend, and hold trenches, including methods for entering and exiting without incurring casualties.

The Jomsborg base also includes an area resembling a Ukrainian village, complete with a mock gas station, buses, and burnt, overturned automobiles scattered throughout.

Ukrainian soldiers also train in forested areas, preparing for operations in such environments.

The center has 5 firing ranges, enabling hundreds of Ukrainian personnel to train simultaneously. They also utilize a dedicated building for indoor combat training methods.

Soldiers train in a specialized combat area.

The training program mirrors actual combat operations, employing laser systems to simulate weapon effects, small explosive charges to replicate blasts, and stun grenades to enhance the battlefield atmosphere.

The center also features a runway for drone operation training, along with a dedicated drone laboratory where soldiers can test, repair, modify, and produce components using 3D printing technology.

Beyond the training grounds, the center provides sleeping tents, medical facilities, a dining hall, outdoor sports areas, and a recreation hall.

Pictured is a sports field available to soldiers during breaks at Jomsborg base.

The base incorporates many details reminiscent of Vikings and Norse gods, such as street signs named after Thor and Odin. The Jomsborg base itself is named after a legendary Viking fortress.

In addition to the helmeted Viking warrior on the sign, the base entrance features a Viking ship flying the Ukrainian flag.

The Telemark Battalion, a unit with a Viking ship emblem, is responsible for training at the center. This elite unit has served in combat missions in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

During training, the Telemark Battalion emphasizes a "warrior spirit" and teaches soldiers how to "overcome harsh conditions."

Signs at the base use Viking-style script.

"We inherit our warrior spirit from our Viking heritage. Viking culture is very important to us," said Major John, the officer responsible for coordinating all training activities.

Pham Giang (Photos: Business Insider, NATO, Forsvaret)