Two weeks of NATO anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drills come to an end in the Mediterranean today (Friday) as Exercise Dynamic Manta draws to a close.
Described by Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) as “NATO’s premier anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise,” this year’s iteration also featured the use of an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) launched from a ship for sprint-and-dip sonar operations.
Another strand of the two-week exercise saw Greek Special Operations Forces deployed from an Italian submarine, linking up ashore with U.S. Marines in a coordinated littoral operation.
Dynamic Manta 26 was conducted by submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and warships from ten Allied nations: Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Among the ships taking part were elements of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2), one of four standing NATO maritime groups providing continuous maritime presence and readiness.
Its Commander Italian Navy Rear Admiral Cristian Nardone commented: “By operating together in a demanding maritime environment we strengthen trust, sharpen our warfighting skills, and reaffirm our collective commitment to the defence of the Alliance.”
And U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Bret Grabbe, Commander, Submarines NATO, added: “Dynamic Manta provides an unmatched opportunity for Allied submarines, surface forces, and air assets to train together as one team.”
- You can read more details on on the MARCOM website