NATO warships patrol central Mediterranean

NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian (OSG) Task Group has concluded its sixth and final maritime patrol of 2024, contributing to maritime security and situational awareness in the Central Mediterranean.

Over the course of three weeks, the task group, composed of the Italian frigate ITS Margottini, Romanian frigate ROS Regele Ferdinand, Croatian missile patrol boat HRVS Dubrovnik, and a Portuguese submarine, monitored over 1,100 vessels and collected valuable data on maritime traffic and potential terrorist threats.

Commander Umberto Buleri of the Italian Navy, who led the task group, emphasised the importance of collaboration:

“Leading a NATO Task Group was a privilege and an incredible experience for me and my team. I am grateful to every unit that participated, as each played a crucial role in the success of these patrols. The cooperation between all units was paramount to achieving significant operational results. Building up the Maritime Situational Awareness of the area contributed to deterring terrorism and illegal activities, demonstrating the power of collaboration.”

The patrols benefited from the integration of surface, air, and submarine assets, with air support provided by Greece, Italy, Portugal, Türkiye, and the United States.

Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Airborne Early Warning Aircraft, and NATO Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) offered critical aerial surveillance, enhancing the task group’s capabilities. This multi-domain coordination ensured a robust deterrence against illicit activities and bolstered maritime security in the region.

Operation Sea Guardian is a continuous NATO maritime security operation aimed at maintaining maritime situational awareness, deterring terrorism, and enhancing capacity and interoperability among member states.

Beyond daily maritime situational awareness activities, OSG conducts targeted patrols in strategic areas of the Mediterranean Sea.