Nine NATO nations have joined forces in the Baltic Sea to practise anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations on Exercise Playbook Merlin 25.
Led by NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) and hosted by Sweden, Playbook Merlin 25 has been running since Monday and ends today (Friday).
Submarines from Germany and Sweden have been participating alongside Maritime Patrol Aircraft from the United States, and surface ships and helicopters from France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
Chief of the Swedish Navy Rear Admiral Johan Norlén commented: “As the newest member of NATO, the Swedish Navy is proud to once again host Playbook activity Merlin.
“By sharing our knowledge and experience of underwater warfare in the unique conditions of the Baltic Sea region, we increase the security and stability, make NATO stronger and address the security challenges of today.”
And Commander NATO Submarines Rear Admiral Bret Grabbe added: “Sweden plays an integral role with maritime security in the Baltic Sea. Baltic nations bring an impressive amount of ASW capability to NATO as well as experienced leadership and maritime capacity.”
Playbook Merlin is one of a series of major maritime exercises led annually by MARCOM in the Baltic Sea, North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Standing NATO Maritime Groups under the operational control of MARCOM provide a continuous security presence at sea.
- You can read more details on the MARCOM website