Dynamic Mariner Providing Crucial Training For Maritime Arm Of ARF

Dynamic Mariner 25, one of the largest maritime NATO exercises of the year, is scheduled to draw to a close tomorrow (Friday).

The Spanish-led multinational exercise began on March 24, bringing together in excess of 1,500 personnel from five other NATO nations: France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Turkey.

Exercise Dynamic Mariner/Flotex 25, to give the operation its full title, has been staged in the western Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. It has involved 30 surface vessels, two submarines, and a variety of air assets including maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters.

As per a press statement by Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), the central command of all NATO maritime forces, Dynamic Mariner has been “based on a scenario aimed at demonstrating Allied solidarity and strength.” It noted the exercise “was focused on maritime expeditionary operations, enhancing collaboration at every opportunity.”

It added: “While Exercise Dynamic Mariner is a crisis response exercise, the emphasis is on training the Spanish Navy as it prepares to take over as the NATO Allied Reaction Force Maritime element (ARF/M) in July 2025.”

The ARF has been conceived to provide rapid-response multi-domain forces from across the Alliance to counter a range of security challenges, including conventional, hybrid, and cyber threats.

Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2) are also taking part in the exercise. In July the Turkish Amphibious Task Force will assume the role of ARF Commander Amphibious Task Force (CATF) and Commander Landing Force (CLF).

“Dynamic Mariner/Flotex 25 is a crucial opportunity for SNMCMG2 to strengthen its mine countermeasures operational capabilities in the multi-threat environment,” said Turkish Navy Captain Kürsat Kurnaz.

“By working alongside our NATO Allies, we aim to enhance our operational cohesion, refine our procedures, and ensure that we remain ready to respond to any maritime security challenge. This exercise reinforces our commitment to maintain safe and secure waters, and contribute to NATO’s overall mission of deterrence and defence.”

• You can read more details on the MARCOM website