The Royal Netherlands Navy will be present in the Baltic Sea with seven ships in the coming weeks. Together with nineteen NATO partners, the Netherlands is taking part in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS). It is the largest annual NATO exercise in the area.
The Netherlands is in charge of several international (fleet) units this year. The exercise started on Friday, 7 June, and will last until 20 June.
In total, the countries are represented with around 9000 military personnel, more than fifty naval vessels and some 85 flying units. The purpose of the exercise is to contribute to maritime security and stability in the region. In addition, the exercise ensures closer cooperation with the Baltic states. For example, by conducting joint amphibious operations. Thus, the exercise contributes to the readiness of NATO member states.
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Amphibious task force
The Netherlands leads one of the four amphibious task forces during BALTOPS. For this, the Netherlands Maritime Force (NLMARFOR) has been delegated. This is a composite deployable and operational staff of fleet units and marines. During BALTOPS, from the amphibious transport ship HNLMS Johan de Witt, they will command units of the Dutch Marine Corps, the German See Batallion, the British Royal Marine Command, the United States Marine Corps, Swedish marines and a Polish unit.
Commander Netherlands Maritime Force Arjen Warnaar: ‘BALTOPS offers us the opportunity to train together as NATO member states, to strengthen mutual ties, but above all to show that we are ready. This means we can act on and from the sea, but also in the air and on land. In the coming weeks, the Netherlands may lead one of the four amphibious task groups in this exercise, where we will see all the units involved in action.’
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Mine countermeasure operations
The Netherlands is also contributing in the field of mine action. Some of the mine action units are under Dutch command. The delegation is therefore substantial. They include minehunters HNLMS Willemstad, HNLMS Makkum, HNLMS Zierikzee and the support ship MV Geosea.
Furthermore, the opportunity is being used to give future naval officers for the naval service practical experience. The torpedo gunship HNLMS Mercuur, the patrol ship HNLMS Holland and the Defence Diving Group complete the Dutch contribution present.
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53rd edition
This is the first time Sweden is participating as a NATO member state. The United States is in overall charge of the 53rd edition of BALTOPS. Other participants include Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Britain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Turkey.
Picture: Naval vessels on the Baltic Sea (by Dutch Ministry of Defence).
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