NATO units from Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) participated in the French-led exercise Polaris 25. Over the course of 10 days in the Northern Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel, this operational readiness exercise integrated land, sea, air, cyber, seabed, cyberspace, space, and electronic warfare, creating a highly intense and complex scenario.
This was followed by an exercise-based naval confrontation between “Blue” and “Red” fleets, supported by submarines, frigates, aircraft, and multi-domain systems, allowing them to engage in realistic, high-intensity engagements. The dynamic and demanding nature of the exercise strengthened the operational agility and decision-making of all participants.
“POLARIS 25 was a valuable exercise in which we operated as one team alongside our Allies, against our training opponents,” said the SNMG1 Commander, Royal Netherlands Navy Commodore Arjen S. Warnaar. “Cooperation and collective efforts make us stronger against any threat — at sea and in the air.”
SNMG1’s participation underscores NATO’s commitment to deterrence, maritime security, and stability in strategically vital waters. Polaris 25 is crucial for reinforcing the task group’s readiness and ability to operate seamlessly within an international force.
As a defensive alliance, NATO remains committed to peace. Exercises such as this demonstrate its resolve and preparedness to deter any form of aggression.
SNMG1 is one of NATO’s four standing maritime task groups under the operational control of Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM). These task groups form the core maritime capability of NATO’s Allied Reaction Force (ARF) and provide a continuous maritime capability to execute NATO missions across the spectrum of operations, demonstrating solidarity and strengthening the bond and interoperability between Allied naval forces.
Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM