British P-8 Poseidon aircraft take part in Mediterranean exercise

Exercise Dynamic Manta 22 is the first time British P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft have conducted anti-submarine & anti-surface operations from an overseas operating location.

NATO’s DYNAMIC MANTA exercise, held annually in the Mediterranean Sea, allows NATO to practice Anti-Submarine Warfare skills.

This year’s exercise will be conducted in the vicinity of Sicily, Italy from 21 February to 4 March 2021, with Italy as the host nation.

.@NATO Exercise Dynamic Manta 22 is the first time RAF Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft have conducted anti-submarine & anti-surface ops from an overseas operating location.@CXX_Squadron from @RAFLossiemouth are training with 🇬🇷,🇩🇪,🇫🇷,🇮🇹,🇺🇸,🇨🇦,🇪🇸,🇹🇷 #WeAreNATO #SecuringTheSeas pic.twitter.com/uyGfJ1LYJa

— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) February 21, 2022

Ships, submarines, as well as aircraft and personnel from nine Allied nations are scheduled to converge in the Central Mediterranean Sea for anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare training.

“Submarines from France, Greece, and Italy will join surface ships from Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, U.K. and the U.S. for the exercise.

As the host nation, Italy will provide support in the Catania, Augusta and Siracusa harbour, naval helicopter base in Catania, Naval Air Station Sigonella, Trapani Air Base as well as logistical support (refueling operations, medical assistance and personnel accommodation) from Augusta naval base.

Maritime patrol aircraft from Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, U.K. and the U.S. will support the simulated, multi-threat environment during the exercise.”

NATO say that the aim of Dynamic Manta is to provide all participants with complex and challenging warfare training “to enhance their interoperability and proficiency in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare disciplines while maintaining focus on safety”.