NATO has launched Playbook Merlin 25, a major anti submarine warfare exercise in the Baltic Sea involving submarines, surface ships and aircraft from nine Allied nations, the organisation stated.
The drill runs from 10 to 14 November and is hosted by Sweden with oversight from Allied Maritime Command.
According to NATO, the exercise is intended to reinforce readiness and interoperability across Allied naval forces operating in a region that the Alliance views as strategically significant.
Rear Admiral Bret Grabbe, Commander NATO Submarines, said “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. We thank the Swedish Navy for hosting exercise Merlin as well as all NATO navies that are participating and sharing regional ASW expertise.”
Participating forces include submarines from Germany and Sweden, US maritime patrol aircraft and surface ships and helicopters from France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. NATO characterises the Baltic as a vital corridor for European security, highlighting the importance of protecting sea lines of communication and critical undersea infrastructure.
Rear Admiral Johan Norlén, Chief of the Swedish Navy, said Sweden is “proud to once again host Playbook activity Merlin.” He added that “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.” He said the exercise underlined Sweden’s responsibility within the Alliance.
