Simulated attacks, evacuation and fire drills, formation sailing and towing exercises are among the many manoeuvres being rehearsed as BALTOPS25 continues in the Baltic Sea.
The exercise, which began on June 5 and will run throughout the month, is the largest annual maritime-focused military exercise in the Baltic region; it involves 40 ships, 25 aircraft, and roughly 9,000 personnel.
The 16 participating nations are Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, the U.K., and the U.S.
BALTOPS 25 includes training in a wide range of capabilities, including amphibious operations, gunnery, air defence, anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, and medical response. It will also incorporate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into various scenarios.
The BALTOPS series of exercises have been running since 1971. They provide NATO allies with a rare opportunity to train together, strengthen interoperability and demonstrate collective readiness to preserve freedom of navigation in the region.
This year’s iteration kicked off with a 40-ship formation sailing exercise. Among the other drills which have already taken place was a simulated attack exercise testing defences and response protocols in realistic combat scenarios, improving coordination between different units and allied forces.
Ships taking part in the attack drill included HNLMS Snellius, FGS Datteln, HNoMS Hinnøy, ENS Sakala, HSwMS Kullen, and FS L’ Aigle) participated in the exercise.
German minehunter FGS Datteln has also neutralised a Danish mine as part of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1’s (SNMCMG1) participation.
And HNLMS Snellius towed ENS Sakala, while FGS Datteln simulated and engine failure with HNoMS Hinnøy (M343) during a towing drill designed to boost operational endurance and provide training for the crews involved.
BALTOPS 25 is led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet and command-and-controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal.
“This year’s BALTOPS is more than just an exercise. It’s a visible demonstration of our alliance’s resolve, adaptability and maritime strength,” said Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO.
“As we mark NATO’s 75th anniversary, BALTOPS 25 showcases our ability to operate together as one unified force across the spectrum of maritime operations.”
- You can read more details about Baltops 25 on the STRIKFORNATO website