NATO strengthens anti-submarine readiness in major exercise

NATO is set to enhance its capabilities with a large-scale Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise, Exercise Dynamic Mongoose, involving twelve allied nations.

This pivotal display of international cooperation is set to kick off in the North Atlantic on April 24th.

This significant live exercise (LIVEX) is held annually in the High North. This year, it promises to rigorously test the Alliance with intricate scenarios, as participating units hone their response strategies to sub-surface threats in the challenging environment of the Norwegian Sea.

Not only will the exercise bolster mutual cooperation within the NATO forces, but it is also designed to enhance interoperability in the ASW domain. The forthcoming event mirrors its sister exercise, “Dynamic Manta”, which took place last February. During this time, ships, submarines, aircraft, and personnel from nine Allied nations gathered in the Central Mediterranean Sea for similar training in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

Rear Admiral Stephen Mack, Commander, Submarines NATO U.S. Navy, emphasised the importance of these exercises, stating, “These exercises enable our Allies and teams to sharpen their skills as well as work on new tactics while enhancing interoperability, coordination, and teamwork.”

Submarines from three Allied nations are slated to engage in a simulated game of cat and mouse throughout the 11-day exercise. Participants will be tasked with a series of demanding missions involving up to 15 surface ships from 10 Allied nations. In addition, Maritime Patrol Aircraft from seven Allied nations will offer aerial support.

These participating units will have the opportunity to fine-tune their ASW and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW) skills in the seas spanning Norway, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland. They will also utilise air bases scattered across the region.

Iceland will act as the primary host nation throughout the exercise, with participation from countries including Canada, Denmark and the Faroe Islands, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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