NATO’s annual anti-submarine warfare exercise Dynamic Manta (DYMA21) which began on Monday off the coast of Sicily, Italy, has gathered submarines from four allied nations.
While the names of the submarines involved in the drills have not been revealed, it is certain that Turkey and Greece are contributing Type 209 submarines, while Italy is involved with either older Sauro-class or the air-independent propulsion (AIP) Todaro-class submarines. The US Navy has the ability to deploy three classes of submarines and has boats regularly on operation in the US 6th Fleet.
A total of five submarines will be joined by ships from eight nations as well as aircraft for the two-week maneuver.
This year, the French Navy carrier strike group assembled around FS Charles De Gaulle will also join the training along with five surface units from France, Belgium, Greece and the United States.
“The strength of NATO military forces is found in our command, control and communication structures, which can best be practiced during live exercises such as Dynamic Manta 2021. Developing and maintaining highly trained, ready forces that integrate seamlessly is the bedrock of our collective deterrence and defence. This live exercise will also further demonstrate that COVID-19 hasn’t changed NATO’s resilience and readiness. I appreciate the outstanding support of the Italian Navy and the force contributing nations to help achieve this objective in a collective way,” said Vice Admiral Keith Blount, Commander of NATO’s Allied Maritime Command.
As the host nation, Italy is providing support in the Catania harbor, naval helicopter base in Catania, naval air station in Sigonella, as well as logistic support (refueling operations, medical assistance and personnel accommodation) from Augusta naval base.
To support the simulated multi-threat environment, maritime patrol aircraft from France, Germany, Greece, Italy and the United States support the exercise.
The aim of Dynamic Manta is to provide all participants with complex and challenging warfare training to enhance their interoperability and proficiency in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare skills, with due regard to safety.
Each surface ship will have the opportunity to conduct a variety of submarine warfare operations. The submarines will take turns hunting and being hunted, closely coordinating their efforts with the air and surface participants.
“Dynamic Manta is one of the two major anti-submarine warfare exercises led every year by NATO Maritime Command. SNMG2, as a NATO Standing Force, usually participates in this type of exercises, focused not only on training and keeping the high readiness of the Force but also on enhancing cohesion and interoperability between force contributing nations, showing NATO presence and assuring allies of the maritime commitment to collective defense,” said Rear Admiral Manuel Aguirre Alderguia, commander of SNMG2.
