Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 has returned to Finnish waters for Exercise Freezing Winds 25, reinforcing allied readiness in the northern Baltic Sea.
Ships assigned to the group are assembling in Turku before sailing for the Gulf of Finland. NATO describes the region’s severe winter conditions as a test of precision and adaptability and says the exercise uses realistic scenarios to prepare units for threats ranging from maritime attacks to disruptions of sea lines of communication.
Commander Jānis Auce of the Latvian Navy, who leads SNMCMG1, said “Exercise Freezing Winds underscores the strategic importance of joint training in the northern Baltic Sea region, where challenging conditions demand high-end capabilities and seamless interoperability.” He added that operating with Finnish forces highlights shared readiness and the commitment to regional security.
Freezing Winds is run by Finland and brings together naval, air and support units from across the alliance and partner nations. According to the release, roughly 5,000 personnel will participate alongside combatants, auxiliaries, fighter aircraft, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft. NATO frames this as part of a broader effort to ensure the protection of sea lines of communication and critical infrastructure as security concerns rise across the Baltic Sea.
Captain Marko Laaksonen of the Finnish Navy said “NATO remains vigilant in the Baltic Sea, ensuring security and stability in this strategically important region.” He noted that Finnish and allied forces have demonstrated an ability to conduct joint maritime operations quickly and effectively.
The announcement links the exercise to the wider Baltic Sentry vigilance activity, which NATO says has enhanced surveillance of maritime and undersea infrastructure since January 2025. The alliance reports that there has been no malicious damage to undersea assets during that period, presenting this as evidence of improved situational awareness and deterrence.
SNMCMG1 operates under NATO’s Allied Maritime Command in Northwood and provides continuous mine countermeasures capability across the alliance’s maritime area of responsibility.
