Minehunter Duero Participates in Multinational Exercise ‘Italian Minex’ with Allied Navies

• The ship of the Spanish Navy is integrated into Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 

The Duero minehunter (M-35), part of NATO Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG-2), has participated in the multinational exercise ‘Italian Minex’ in waters near the Italian city of Cagliari, on the island of Sardinia. This exercise is part of the regular training activities in which mine countermeasures units from various NATO navies take part.

During these manoeuvres, the allied naval units refined their techniques, tactics, and procedures in the detection, classification, and identification of mines, enhancing their ability to respond to underwater threats in real-world scenarios.

The Duero’s participation in these multinational activities strengthens Spain’s commitment to deterrence and collective defence, and contributes to the unity and interoperability of NATO forces.

Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Groups: SNMCMG-2

Standing NATO Forces (SNF), which include two escort groups (SNMG) and two mine countermeasures groups (SNMCMG), provide NATO with a permanent maritime presence.

Their key areas of operation are the Mediterranean and the Baltic seas.

The fight against naval mines is vital to enable free navigation and ensure control of the sea for the rest of the force. This underscores the importance of minehunters, which are essential for carrying out other naval operations. As such, they are a key and irreplaceable asset in ensuring the success of naval missions.

By participating in and integrating the Duero into NATO’s Standing Naval Mine Countermeasures Group, Spain once again demonstrates its responsibility for international security, as well as its strong commitment to its allies and other international organisations to which it belongs.