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MCM Denmark Brings Drone Tech to BALTOPS

BALTIC SEA - MCM Denmark has been operating with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) over the last several weeks, employing the Danish modular mine hunting system to keep sailors out of the minefield while hunting for naval mines.

MCM Denmark is composed of several parts, a containerized command and control node operates from the group’s flagship HNLMS Mercuur and controls two smaller ships and remotely operated drones. The number of containers, equipment, drones and ships are all variable making the system very flexible and scalable, depending on operational requirements and support platforms available. This is the first time MCM Denmark and HNLMS Mecuur have operated together.

"Working with SNMCMG1 again has been a great opportunity to continue the development of MCM Denmark and to enhance the interoperability with another international support platform,” said MCM Denmark Commanding Officer LtCDR Anreas Johansen.
 
For the current period whilst attached to SNMCMG1, MCM Denmark has one command container,  one remotely operated drone (MSF1) towing a side scan sonar and one ship (MSD6), which is used to conduct identification and neutralization with a Mine Demolition Vehicle. In total the crew from MCM Denmark in SNMCMG1 consists of 18 sailors, which also includes a small team embarked in HNLMS Mercuur.

SNMCMG1 is participating in exercise BALTOPS in the Baltic Sea along with more than 4700 sailors, airmen and marines from 22 Allied and Partner Nations and is designed to improve flexibility and interoperability as well as exercise multiple warfare specialty areas including air defense, maritime interdiction, anti-submarine warfare and amphibious operations in a joint environment.
 
Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1), which is one of four Standing Maritime Groups under the command of the NATO Maritime Command (MARCOM) which are multinational, integrated maritime forces made up of vessels from allied countries.  The vessels are under continuous NATO command and perform a wide range of tasks, including mine countermeasures.