21/02/25: NATO conducts naval drone demo in Baltic

NATO’s Standing Naval Forces have conducted a major demonstration of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) in the Baltic Sea, with exercises taking place near Denmark from 17 to 20 February, according to a press release.

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/task-force-x-to-operate-drone-fleet-in-baltic/

More Information: https://www.esc.guide/martac

The event, involving Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) led by HNLMS Tromp, was designed to integrate unmanned technology into ongoing NATO operations and serves as a lead-up to the Dynamic Messenger series exercise scheduled for September.

Ships from the Royal Danish Navy and the German Navy joined SNMG1 for tactical manoeuvres, live-fire drills, and counter-UXV (uncrewed systems) training. Organisers also tested the interoperability of USVs with manned naval assets, advancing NATO’s drive to “trial and integrate unmanned systems into the networked operational environment,” as Vice Admiral Mike Utley, Commander of Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), stated in the press release.

“Operational output is the requirement. These trials enable learning and insights to deliver greater speed and scale of integration, further building the military advantage of the Alliance.”

The demonstration was organised collaboratively by NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT) and MARCOM, part of broader efforts to exploit “emerging and disruptive technologies, including autonomous systems and artificial intelligence,” says NATO. Task Force X, an ACT initiative drawing on lessons from the US Navy’s Task Forces 59 and 66, fielded the unmanned vessels.

“Task Force X is intended to be employed alongside Enhanced Vigilance Activities in support of ACO, to further reassure Allies and deter acts of vandalism against critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea,” remarked Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation.

“This collaborative effort will fill gaps in surveillance, particularly in areas not covered by existing systems … and improve our ability to detect vessels that may be operating without identification.”

Outcomes from the demonstration will inform NATO’s operational integration of USVs in the Baltic Sea and across the Euro-Atlantic region. In parallel, the Alliance is preparing for the Dynamic Messenger series exercise in September, which will involve additional trials to refine and expand the use of unmanned systems throughout NATO’s maritime forces.