NATO’s Undersea Warriors Unite for Dynamic Manta 25: A Showcase of Anti-Submarine Expertise

NATO’s annual maritime exercise, Dynamic Manta, is set to advance further, integrating cutting-edge strategies and technology to bolster undersea warfare capabilities. Taking place in the Mediterranean, this exercise aims to prepare submarine crews from member nations for varied underwater threats.

Italy hosts this significant event, meticulously planned by NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) headquartered in Northwood, UK. US Navy Rear Admiral Bret Grabbe, Commander Submarines NATO, emphasizes the complexity and scale of the exercise, identifying it as the largest of its kind in the region.

Dynamic Manta is crucial for NATO’s proficiency in anti-submarine warfare. Through coordinated operations against diverse undersea threats, it underscores the alliance’s commitment to securing critical maritime routes.

For only the third time, submarine operations will integrate Allied maritime Special Operations Forces (SOF), enhancing joint operational capabilities. A notable maneuver involves a Greek SOF team executing a tactical landing from an Italian submarine.

The exercise is designed to challenge participants in warfare tactics, aiming to boost interoperability and excellence in both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. Participating units will engage in diverse submarine operations, alternating roles in a dynamic hunter and hunted scenario alongside air and surface units.

Nine NATO nations are contributing personnel and resources to the exercise. Submarines from France, Greece, Italy, Türkiye, and the United States will operate under NATO Submarine Command’s guidance.

Joining the exercise are Maritime Patrol Aircraft from Canada, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Türkiye, the UK, and the US, as well as helicopters from France, Italy, and the US. These air units will receive support from surface ships from nations including Greece, Italy, Spain, Türkiye, and the United States.

Turkish Rear Admiral H. Ilker Avci commands the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), which is actively participating. As the host nation, Italy offers comprehensive support from facilities in Catania and Augusta.

Representing Italy is Rear Admiral Alberto Tarabotto, Commanding Officer of the 4th Naval Division, demonstrating Italy’s pivotal role in facilitating these operations.

Dynamic Manta is part of NATO’s broader anti-submarine warfare training framework, which includes the Dynamic Mongoose exercise in the North Atlantic’s cold waters and Playbook Merlin in the Baltic Sea.

As one of numerous annual MARCOM-led exercises, Dynamic Manta contributes significantly to the alliance’s defensive readiness and cohesion.