NATO warships take part in the largest exercise of 2025 (Photo: Philip Myrtorp/Unsplash)
The NATO Permanent Naval Forces participated in the largest military exercise of the Alliance in 2025, from February 10 to 17.
The Steadfast Dart 2025 exercise aimed at the operational deployment of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF) in the Aegean Sea, according to a NATO press release.
The exercise involved NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) and NATO’s Standing Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2), marking the first large-scale deployment of the ARF.
SNMG2 included over 1,000 personnel from naval units of France, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Turkey, supported by personnel from the United Kingdom and Bulgaria.
“SNMG2 accomplished its mission in the first ARF exercise and enhanced surveillance activity through the Steadfast Dart 25 exercise, once again demonstrating the advantage of having a permanent naval force at sea all the time,” said Rear Admiral H. Ilker Avci, Commanding Officer of SNMG2.
SNMCMG2, on the other hand, focused on mine countermeasures (MCM) operations. During the exercise, SNMCMG2 conducted mine detection and neutralization, highlighting the critical role of interoperability in maintaining maritime security.
“The Steadfast Dart 25 exercise provided a dynamic and challenging environment where NATO forces refined their coordination and tactical proficiency,” said Turkish Navy Captain Kürsat Kurnaz, Commanding Officer of SNMCMG2.
Photo and video: Unsplash. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
