A group of six submarines from allied nations is set to participate in Nato's premier submarine warfare drill, designated as Exercise Dynamic Manta 25.
This exercise is scheduled to occur in the waters off Italy's coast from 28 February to 14 March 2025.
The event will assemble a variety of assets including surface vessels, submarines, and aircraft, along with numerous military personnel.
The Mediterranean Sea will serve as the backdrop for this intensive training operation aimed at enhancing and showcasing the collective proficiency in submarine warfare among allies.
Nato Commander Submarines US Navy rear admiral Bret Grabbe said: “Exercises like Dynamic Manta help Nato maintain the edge when it comes to anti-submarine warfare.
“By practising coordinated operations against both conventional and advanced undersea threats, Nato continues to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the strategic waterways that connect member states.”
For the third time since its inception in 2013, the exercise will also include collaboration with Allied maritime Special Operations Forces (SOF), further strengthening interoperability with this component.
A Greek SOF team will execute a landing from an Italian submarine as part of the exercise's activities.
The exercise is also a live event for the Allied Reaction Force 25 (ARF25), aiming to validate the interoperability of ARF25 maritime forces at a tactical level and serve as the LIVEX certification venue for maritime forces designated as the ARF25 Maritime Component Command.
This will support the ARF25 certification plan and enhance maritime forces interoperability while implementing the latest Nato concepts and doctrines.
Participants include units, sailors, and airmen from nine Nato nations.
The submarines are from the navies of France, Greece, Italy, Türkiye, and the US, with Nato Submarine Command exercising operational control as required by the exercise scenario.
Maritime patrol aircraft from Canada, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Türkiye, the UK, and the US are set to participate, along with maritime patrol helicopters from France, Italy, and the US.
These air assets will be supported by surface ships from Greece, Italy, Spain, Türkiye, and the US.
Italy, as the host nation, is providing logistical support through its facilities in Catania and Augusta Harbors, the naval helicopter base in Catania, Naval Air Station Sigonella, and Augusta Naval Base.
In 2023, the UK deployed its Poseidon MRA1 maritime patrol aircraft to participate in Nato's anti-submarine warfare exercise Dynamic Manta 2023.
