Eighteen NATO nations are participating in Exercise ‘Dynamic Mariner/Flotex-19’ in the South of Spain.

More than 4,500 military personnel are taking part in NATO’s exercise ‘Dynamic Mariner/Flotex-19’ designed to train the armed forces of the nations involved in crisis response situations.

Participating units include 26 surface ships, 2 submarines and 21 aircraft. The manoeuvers and drills are taking place off the south coast of Spain.

This exercise will also help Spain certify the Spanish Navy High Readiness Forces (Maritime) Headquarters (SPMARFOR) for participation in NATO’s Response Force (NRF).

Spain is the host nation and provides most of the assets; namely 2,700 servicemen and 16 ships of different classes. Other assets and personnel come from Albania, Bulgaria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.

‘Dynamic Mariner/Flotex-19’ is led by NATO Maritime Command and a large part of the participating units come from from the Standing NATO Maritime Groups One and Two (SNMG1 and SNMG2).

Regarding training activities, the maneuvers range from mine countermeasures, through anti-submarine, surface and anti-air warfare, and air operations to amphibious and force protection operations.