NATO recently conducted a significant multinational exercise, Steadfast Dart 25, involving two key maritime groups: Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2). This exercise aimed to reinforce cooperation among NATO Allies and Partners.
Steadfast Dart 25: Participation of NATO Maritime Groups
Notably, Steadfast Dart 25 marked the first implementation of NATO’s Allied Response Force Doctrine in a live exercise scenario, integrating operations across maritime, aerial, and land domains to enhance collective defense capabilities.
The SNMG2 ships participating in Steadfast Dart 25 included vessels from France, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Türkiye, with staff contributions from Bulgaria and the United Kingdom. Participating ships included TCG Kemalreis, FS Commandant Birot, HS Kountouriotis, ITS Thaon di Revel, ESPS Álvaro de Bazán, and ESPS Patino, with additional support from HS Limnos and other Allied Reaction Force units. Over 1,000 crew members worked diligently to achieve the exercise’s objectives, demonstrating a high level of professionalism and commitment throughout the training.
Beyond testing NATO’s operational capabilities, Steadfast Dart 25 provided a valuable opportunity to improve coordination between diverse naval units. Each participating nation contributed its unique expertise, fostering a more unified and effective maritime force. The crews operated under a shared command structure, strengthening their ability to cooperate during complex missions.
Maritime Operations and Challenges
During Steadfast Dart 25, NATO’s maritime forces carried out a variety of naval operations to test their skills and teamwork. The SNMG2 ships conducted escort operations for aircraft carriers and amphibious ships, protecting these vital assets from potential threats. The crews practised anti-submarine warfare, searching for underwater targets and simulating attacks on enemy submarines. Air defence drills were also included, preparing the ships to defend against aircraft and missile threats.
The task group executed naval gunfire support missions, firing at simulated coastal targets to assist ground forces. Maritime interdiction operations were another key part of the exercise, where ships stopped and inspected vessels suspected of carrying illegal cargo or posing a threat to security. These activities demonstrated the versatility of NATO’s maritime forces in different scenarios.
One of the most challenging aspects of the exercise was the replenishment-at-sea operations. These involved transferring fuel, supplies, and equipment between ships while they were moving. The crews had to work with precision and coordination to complete these tasks safely. Harsh weather conditions, including high waves and strong winds, made the operations even more difficult. Despite these obstacles, the crews managed to carry out all tasks successfully, proving their readiness for real-world missions.
The exercise also tested the ships’ communication systems, ensuring that information could be shared quickly and accurately between different units. This was essential for coordinating complex operations involving multiple ships and aircraft. The crews’ ability to adapt to changing situations and maintain high performance under pressure highlighted the strength of NATO’s maritime forces.
Mine Countermeasures and Security
In addition to SNMG2, the SNMCMG2 ships played a crucial role in the Steadfast Dart 25 exercise by focusing on mine countermeasures. The participating ships included TCG Yüzbaşı Güngör Durmuş, TCG Ayvalık, and FS Capricorne. These vessels conducted training to locate, identify, and neutralize underwater mines. Clearing sea routes of mines is essential for ensuring the safe passage of both military and commercial ships.
The mine countermeasure units practiced dive-accident response drills, simulating how they would react if a diver were injured during a mission. This training helped improve their emergency response capabilities. The teams also used sonar systems and underwater drones to search for mines, showing how technology plays an important role in modern naval operations.
Working together during Steadfast Dart 25, the multinational teams demonstrated their ability to secure vital sea lines of communication (SLOC). By removing underwater threats, they helped maintain freedom of navigation for all ships in the region. The exercise highlighted the importance of cooperation and information-sharing in mine countermeasure missions.
The SNMCMG2 crews faced tough environmental conditions during the Steadfast Dart 25 exercise, making their work even more demanding. However, their dedication and teamwork allowed them to complete all tasks successfully. This intensive training reinforced the importance of NATO’s maritime forces in protecting underwater infrastructure and ensuring the security of sea routes.
NATO’s standing maritime groups, including SNMG2 and SNMCMG2, provide continuous maritime capabilities for the Alliance. Their presence at sea helps deter threats, supports crisis response missions, and strengthens the bond between NATO countries. Exercises like Steadfast Dart 25 play a vital role in maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of these multinational forces.