The minehunter ‘Tajo’ took part in the international exercise ‘NUSRET 24’

• This international mine warfare exercise has been organised by the Turkish Navy in the waters of Izmir Bay and the Black Sea

The minehunter ‘Tajo’ took part in the ‘NUSRET 24’ exercise, focused on mine warfare, as part of NATO's Standing Counter Mine Action Group 2 (SNMCMG-2).

The exercise, led by the Turkish Navy, involved military vessels, teams of explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) divers and autonomous underwater vehicles from the navies of Italy, Turkey, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria. In total, 13 ships, 3 aircraft, 2 helicopters, 1 unmanned underwater vehicle (UAV) and various EOD teams.

The ‘NUSRET 24’ spent two weeks in three distinct phases: mining, search and identification of mines. In addition, the ship made visits to the Turkish ports of Izmir and Karadeniz Eregli. During the exercise, the minehunter ships faced situations with orinque mines, bottom mines and low-profile mines, and applied procedures, equipment and techniques, both current and experimental, to combat these threats. For the Spanish Navy, the ‘NUSRET-24’ exercise has been an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and knowledge with other international navies.

Naval mine action is vital to allow free navigation and ensure control of the sea for the rest of the force. This evidence underlines the importance of minehunters, which are fundamental to all other naval operations. However, they are a key and irreplaceable means of achieving successful naval missions.

By participating in this type of exercise and integrating the ‘Tajo’ minehunter into NATO's Permanent Grouping, Spain is once again demonstrating its responsibility for international security, as well as its firm commitment to its allies and other international organisations to which it belongs.