Dutch naval vessels HNLMS Van Amstel and HNLMS De Ruyter participated in Polaris over the past two weeks. This large-scale exercise, led by France, took place in the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel. All aspects of maritime combat were covered.
The programme offered realistic training in a complex environment. Polaris brought together 3000 military personnel, more than twenty surface vessels, and forty aircraft from various countries. In addition to the Netherlands and France, participants included Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Brazil.
The Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) also took part. It is currently under Dutch command, with HNLMS De Ruyter serving as the flagship of this NATO fleet group.
Van Amstel participated as part of its so-called “continuation training” under the guidance of the Sea Training Command. The combination of the exercise and this programme enables the ship and its crew to prepare for deployment later this year.
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Cyber attacks and disinformation
During Polaris, units were divided into two opposing forces, allowing for realistic engagements. The threats faced were diverse, including hybrid threats such as cyber attacks and disinformation.
SNMG1 Commander Commodore Arjen Warnaar: ‘Polaris was a valuable exercise in which we operated as one team — together with our allies, against our training opponents. Cooperation and collective effort make us stronger against any threat, at sea and in the air.’
Exercises like Polaris enhance the readiness of international forces for maritime combat. For the Dutch vessels, it fits well within their preparation for future challenges and threats.
Picture (top): Polaris enhances readiness for maritime combat (photo by Dutch Ministry of Defence).
Watch a video of Polaris released by the Dutch Ministry of Defence below.
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