NATO’s Advanced ASW Exercise DYNAMIC MANTA-2020 kicks off in Sicily

NATO exercise Dynamic Manta (DYMA20) began today Feb. 24, off the coast of Sicily, NATO Maritime Command (MARCOM) has announced via official website. Ships, submarines, aircraft and personnel from 9 Allied nations are converging in the Central Mediterranean Sea for advance anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) training.

Five Submarines from France, Greece, Italy and Turkey under NATO Submarine Command are to join surface nine ships from Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey.

“NATO’s annual anti-submarine-warfare exercise Dynamic Manta remains one of the most challenging exercises and an excellent opportunity for NATO nations’ naval forces to practice and evaluate their anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare skillset in a challenging environment.” said Rear Admiral Andrew Burcher, Commander NATO Submarines. “This exercise is a unique opportunity to enhance naval forces’ war fighting skills in all dimensions of anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare in a multinational and multi-threat environment”.

As the host nation, Italy is to provide operational and logistic support to the exercise. The support includes Catania harbour facilities, naval helicopter base in Catania, naval air station in Sigonella, logistic support including refueling operations, medical assistance and personnel accommodation from Augusta naval base.

“Exercises today seize opportunities for NATO and Allied nations to sharpen warfighting skills by focusing on high-end capabilities including Anti-Submarine Warfare. Dynamic Manta will ensure we remain prepared for operations in peace, crisis and conflict.” said Vice Admiral Keith Blount, Commander, Allied Maritime Command. “With this regard, I appreciate the outstanding host nation support of the Italian Navy and those nations that have contributed forces. Dynamic Manta will, I am certain, be a highly effective exercise”.

To support the simulated multi-threat environment, maritime patrol aircrafts from Canada, Germany, France, Turkey and the United States and shore-based helicopters from Italy and United Kingdom will support the exercise.

Exercise 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.