Major NATO anti-submarine warfare exercise underway

NATO exercise Dynamic Mongoose is starting in the High North today.

Ships, submarines, as well as aircraft and personnel from six Allied nations are converging off the coast of Iceland for Anti-Submarine warfare and Anti-Surface warfare training.

Submarines from France, Germany, Norway, United Kingdom and the United States under NATO Submarine Command are joining surface ships from Canada, Norway, United Kingdom and the United States.

As the host nation, Iceland is providing logistical support in Reykjavik.

To enhance the simulated multi-threat environment, maritime patrol aircraft from France, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States will support the exercise.

The aim of Dynamic Mongoose is to provide all participants with complex and challenging warfare training to enhance their interoperability and proficiency in Anti-Submarine and Anti-Surface warfare skills, with due regard to safety.

Each surface ship will have the opportunity to conduct a variety of submarine warfare operations. The submarines will take turns hunting and being hunted, closely coordinating their efforts with the air and surface participants.

Due to COVID-19 threat, NATO say that measures taken by both Icelandic authorities and the force contributing nations will be strictly followed by all sides during the port visits and training.

“Exercises today seize opportunities for NATO and Allied nations to sharpen warfighting skills by focusing on high-end capabilities including Anti-Submarine Warfare. DYNAMIC MONGOOSE will ensure we remain prepared for operations in peace, crisis and conflict. In this regard, I appreciate the outstanding host nation support of the Iceland and those nations that have contributed forces. Dynamic Mongoose will, I am certain, be a highly effective exercise.”

—   Vice Admiral Keith Blount, Commander of NATO’s Allied Maritime Command

“NATO’s annual Anti-Submarine-warfare exercise Dynamic Mongoose remains one of the most challenging exercises and an excellent opportunity for NATO nations’ naval forces to practice and evaluate their anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare skillsets in the challenging environment of the North Atlantic. This exercise is a unique opportunity to enhance naval forces’ war fighting skills in all dimensions of anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare in a multinational and multi-threat environment.”

—   Rear Admiral E. Andrew Burcher, Commander NATO Submarines

Quick Facts via NATO

• Dynamic Mongoose runs between June 29 and July 10, 2020;
• Six NATO Allies are participating – Canada, France, Germany, Norway, United Kingdom and United States;
• 5 Surface ships, 5 Submarines, 5 Maritime patrol aircrafts participate the exercise.