Submarine 'Galerna' joins NATO's Operation ‘Sea Guardian’ in the Mediterranean

• It will take part in the Alliance's 'Dynamic Manta 2024' anti-submarine manoeuvres, demonstrating Spain's commitment to maintaining security in the Mediterranean

 The submarine 'Galerna' begins its participation in NATO's 'Sea Guardian' operation in the Mediterranean Sea. Among other activities, it is scheduled to take part in the 'Dynamic Manta 2024' anti-submarine manoeuvres.

In 2016, the Atlantic Alliance launched Operation 'Sea Guardian' (OSG), which focuses on maritime situational awareness in the Mediterranean to deter and combat terrorism and mitigate the risk of other threats. It is an adaptive operation that can address a wide range of maritime security challenges, including preserving freedom of navigation, maritime interdiction, countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and protecting critical infrastructure.

‘Dynamic Manta’ (DYMA) is the name of an annual NATO-led anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise in the waters off Sicily. They are focused on ensuring interoperability between the various units involved: maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, submarines and surface ships. The level of training acquired at the end of the exercises promotes cohesion among participating nations and strengthens the ASW capability of the Alliance as a whole.

The 'Galerna' (S-71) is an 'Agosta' class submarine. Its crew of 68 men and women will spend more than a month contributing to the Allied effort to maintain security in the depths of the Mediterranean.