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NATO Allies are taking part in a major multinational maritime exercise, Dynamic Mariner/Flotex 25, to improve operational readiness, enhance naval cooperation, and demonstrate the Alliance’s ability to secure vital sea lanes in an evolving security environment.

NATO warships, submarines, fighter jets, maritime patrol aircraft, military vehicles, and naval personnel are conducting joint drills in the western Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, including Spanish territorial waters, between March 24 and April 4, 2025.

The Exercise Dynamic Mariner/Flotex 25 is led by Spanish naval forces and features a formidable lineup of 30 surface vessels, two submarines, and various air assets, including Harriers, maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters. Additionally, 1,500 marines and personnel from six NATO nations, including France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Turkiye, are taking part in the drills.

Designed around a fictional scenario that highlights Allied unity and resilience, the exercise focuses on maritime expeditionary operations, fostering cooperation at every stage. During the exercise, participating forces are operating side by side, refining their combat skills, strengthening coordination, and reinforcing NATO’s steadfast commitment to securing Allied waters.

🌊Strength in unity on full display as #DynamicMariner25 showcases the power of Allied forces at sea and on land. From warships & submarines cutting through the waves to 🇪🇸🇹🇷Marines storming the beach, this is naval power in action. Teamwork. Readiness. Deterrence.💪⚓️It's what… pic.twitter.com/VLMJU2ABTt

— NATO Maritime Command (@NATO_MARCOM) March 29, 2025

According to the NATO Maritime Command (MARCOM) statement, although Dynamic Mariner is designed as a crisis response exercise, it plays a crucial role in preparing the Spanish Navy to assume command of the NATO Allied Reaction Force Maritime element (ARF/M) in July 2025.

The ARF represents an innovative concept, enabling NATO to deploy multi-domain forces across the Alliance with unprecedented speed. This highly flexible and adaptable force is designed to address a broad spectrum of security challenges, including conventional, hybrid, and cyber threats.

For the first time, the Turkish Amphibious Task Force will take on the role of ARF Commander Amphibious Task Force (CATF) and Commander Landing Force (CLF) starting in July 2025.

Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2) are playing a critical part during the exercise and demonstrating seamless cooperation between Allies.

The strength of NATO’s maritime forces lies in the ability of Standing Naval Forces and NATO Allied Reaction Force elements to rapidly join with national forces and task groups to achieve strategic objectives. Through regular training, these units maintain a high level of interoperability and readiness, ensuring NATO’s ability to deploy effectively whenever required.

Commander of SNMG2, Turkish Rear Admiral H. Ilker Avci said, “As the Alliance aims to produce effects at short notice, and introduces the multi-domain ARF Concept, there is increasing need for Allied forces and headquarters to train together.”

Rear Admiral Avci highlighted, “The maritime domain is one of the key pillars of Alliance deterrence and defence. Standing Naval Forces have long been the backbone of the Alliance’s peacetime activities in the maritime domain and constitute a force at high readiness to respond to any emerging crisis.”

“With Dynamic Mariner/Flotex-25, the interoperability and cohesion among those forces and headquarters will reach unprecedented levels… showcasing the multi-domain effects we are able to create above the sea, under the sea, on land and in the air,” he added.

Turkish Navy Captain Kürsat Kurnaz, who is leading the Turkish participating forces, said, “Dynamic Mariner/Flotex 25 is a crucial opportunity for SNMCMG2 to strengthen its mine countermeasures operational capabilities in the multi-threat environment.”

He further highlighted, “By working alongside our NATO Allies, we aim to enhance our operational cohesion, refine our procedures, and ensure that we remain ready to respond to any maritime security challenge. This exercise reinforces our commitment to maintain safe and secure waters, and contribute to NATO’s overall mission of deterrence and defence.”

A boarding team carries out a Maritime Intervention Operation on 🇪🇸ESPS Cantabria during Ex #DynamicMariner25. Coming up against a resistant crew, the team had to adapt, strategise, and assert control in a high-pressure environment. Exercises like this sharpen operational skills,… pic.twitter.com/FENOyGazMF

— NATO Maritime Command (@NATO_MARCOM) March 27, 2025

NATO exercises, such as Dynamic Mariner 25, strengthen the Alliance’s capability to execute joint operations across complex, multi-domain environments, ensuring that Allied naval forces remain prepared to effectively respond to emerging security challenges.