In response to the shifting security climate surrounding Russia’s actions against Ukraine, NATO is holding its annual naval exercise, Northern Coasts, in the Baltic Sea.
The exercise, one of the largest in the region, witnesses the participation of some 30 warships and 3,200 personnel from 14 nations.
Starting Saturday, 9 September 2023, and continuing for two weeks, the exercise will primarily occur off the coasts of Estonia and Latvia. Spearheaded by the German Navy, this year’s Northern Coasts has shifted its focus to high-end warfare and the collective defence of NATO Allies. This adjustment comes amidst the heightened geopolitical concerns in the area.
In Riga’s morning ambience, German warships “Hamburg” and “Hessen” marked their presence, docking in the harbour ahead of the “Northern Seas” commencement, as reported by the Deutsche Marine.
The Baltic Sea, surrounded by seven – and soon eight – NATO Allies, is strategically critical to the Alliance. “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has radically altered the security situation in the Baltic Sea,” stated Acting NATO Spokesperson Dylan White.
He emphasised NATO’s commitment to strengthening its defensive stance across multiple fronts, proclaiming, “Exercises like these send a clear message that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory.”
Over the course of the exercise, NATO Allies will hone skills across various naval operations, encompassing amphibious operations, air defence, sea to land strikes, and safeguarding sea routes. Both Standing NATO Maritime Group One and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One will be actively participating. The extensive list of participating nations includes Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the U.S., and invited member, Sweden.
In a significant move, this year’s Northern Coasts is being administered from Germany’s new Navy Command in Rostock for the very first time, further emphasizing Germany’s central role in the exercise and the collective efforts of the NATO Alliance in the Baltic region.
Good to see the RN isnt ‘trying to be everywhere’ and isnt represented.
Now only have to keep the Carriers no further than Caribbean on one side and the Arabian Sea the other … those sinking lid manpower levels -another 1000 or so less last year- indicate its best to go to sea for shorter periods and more often
It’s disappointing there is now RN taking part. Even a mine warfare ship would have been good.
I guess this is what happens when the navy keeps shrinking.
And will get smaller still until Glasgow is fitted out sometime in the next few decades. And finally joins the fleet
For those who are interested in Naval History.
New footage shows historic World War II shipwrecks in the Pacific
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“The Ocean Exploration Trust led a team to the depths of one of the largest protected areas in the US, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
During a five-day submersion, the team on board the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus spotted the USS Yorktown, the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) Akagi and Kaga.”
LINK
What’s the latest on Sweden joining NATOo?