Submarines from Greece, Italy, Turkey and the United States under NATO Submarine Command joined surface ships from France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey between 22 February and 5 March.
Maritime patrol aircrafts from France, Germany, Greece, Italy and the United States also supported the execution of the exercise in both ASW and multi-threat exercises. Participation also included the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2).
“The regular participation of SNMG2 in these major exercises, is an essential tool to keep Force’s high readiness, improve interoperability and reinforce cohesion between allies and, with no doubt, contributes to NATO success,” said the Rear Admiral Manuel Aguirre, Commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two.
During the sea phase of the exercise, complex and fruitful interactions between Dynamic Manta participating units and Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group (CSG) were also carried out. An air defence exercise with the CSG air assets (4 x Rafale) increased the surface units anti-aircraft warfare capabilities. Furthermore, the CSG also took advantage of the opportunity conducting a close interaction with submarines participating in the exercise.
Exercises such as these enhance interoperability between NATO nations, show NATO presence in key strategic areas and assure Allies of the maritime commitment to collective defence.
After completing this exercise, SNMG2 will resume its program of activities including the transit towards the Black Sea, where it will conduct its first period of deployment in the region for 2021.
SNMG2 is one of four standing forces that comprise the maritime component of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), which is part of the NATO Response Force (NRF). To respond to contingency situations, additional forces can be added to these groups, with the NATO command staff on board and the ships of the Group as the nucleus, capable of providing timely support to NATO operations.
French carrier strike group TF473 participates in Dynamic Manta ASW exercise with Rafale fighter jets. DYMA 21 is designed to sharpen the ASW/ASUW skills of the participating units, and takes place off the coast of Italy. Photo: FRA Navy/ NATO