Sailors, air crews, ships and submarines from nine NATO allies have just completed two weeks of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drills on Exercise Dynamic Mongoose 26.
The fortnight-long serials involved submarines from Germany, the Netherlands, and Portugal; maritime patrol aircraft from Canada, France, Germany, Portugal, the U.K., and the U.S.; and surface ships from Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and the U.K.
NATO Submarine Command (COMSUBNATO) took operational control over some platforms during selected exercise scenarios, with submarines alternating between hunting and evading.
Norway was the host nation for the exercise, which was held between May 18-29; Trondheim served as the hub for surface operations and Stavanger was the base for supporting air assets.
The drills included ships currently assigned to Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1); its current flagship is German Navy frigate, FGS Sachsen, commanded by Royal Navy Commodore Maryla Ingham.
As per a statement from NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM): “Working closely with surface ships, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and supporting assets, crews exercised standard patrol and detection tactics in a dynamic “cat and mouse” environment that tested coordination, endurance, and tactical decision-making.
“The exercise demonstrated NATO’s ability to conduct advanced anti-submarine warfare operations while maintaining a credible and combat-ready force beneath the surface.”
The drills also formed part of NATO’s ongoing Arctic Sentry initiative, reinforcing Allied presence and readiness in a region of growing strategic importance.
Parts of the exercise were observed at close quarters by Russian Navy intelligence ship, Yury Ivanov, which was seen loitering nearby. While at close range assets including Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan kept a watchful eye on the uninvited guest.
Cdre Ingham reflected: “Exercise Dynamic Mongoose 26 has been a real success for SNMG1, and for all the wider Allies and Partners that have participated.
“We have proved the successful integration of advanced capabilities and technologies, as well as refining and refreshing our tactics, techniques and procedures, during an increasingly complex series of exercises against live submarines.”
Commander, Submarines NATO, US Navy Rear Admiral Bret Grabbe, added: “Dynamic Mongoose demonstrates NATO’s ability to operate together in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime regions, reinforcing our commitment to the security of the High North and the North Atlantic.
“By bringing Allied forces together to train in realistic and demanding anti-submarine warfare scenarios, we ensure our forces remain ready, adaptable, and capable of responding to any challenge beneath the surface.”
The annual Dynamic Mongoose drills and sister exercises Dynamic Manta in the Mediterranean and Dynamic Merlin in the Baltic Sea form an integral part of the alliance’s constant ASW training.
- You can read more details on the MARCOM website