NATO has launched Playbook Merlin 25, a serious anti submarine warfare train within the Baltic Sea involving submarines, floor ships and plane from 9 Allied nations, the organisation said.
The drill runs from 10 to 14 November and is hosted by Sweden with oversight from Allied Maritime Command.
In keeping with NATO, the train is meant to bolster readiness and interoperability throughout Allied naval forces working in a area that the Alliance views as strategically vital.
Rear Admiral Bret Grabbe, Commander NATO Submarines, mentioned “Sweden performs an integral function with maritime safety within the Baltic Sea. Baltic nations deliver a powerful quantity of ASW functionality to NATO in addition to skilled management and maritime capability. We thank the Swedish Navy for internet hosting train Merlin in addition to all NATO navies which might be taking part and sharing regional ASW experience.”
Taking part forces embody submarines from Germany and Sweden, US maritime patrol plane and floor ships and helicopters from France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. NATO characterises the Baltic as an important hall for European safety, highlighting the significance of defending sea strains of communication and important undersea infrastructure.
Rear Admiral Johan Norlén, Chief of the Swedish Navy, mentioned Sweden is “proud to as soon as once more host Playbook exercise Merlin.” He added that “by sharing our data and expertise of underwater warfare within the distinctive situations of the Baltic Sea area, we enhance the safety and stability, make NATO stronger and handle the safety challenges of in the present day.” He mentioned the train underlined Sweden’s duty inside the Alliance.