The Maritime Component Command of the Allied Reaction Force begins operations in the Baltic Sea

• During the 10-day journey, the allied naval group conducted joint training exercises to enhance its cohesion and interoperability

The amphibious assault ship Castilla and the frigate Cristóbal Colón are now sailing in Baltic waters, alongside the Turkish force comprising the amphibious assault ship Anadolu, the frigates Oruçreis and Istanbul, and the combat support ship Derya. They are taking part in Exercise Steadfast Dart 26 until 21 February.

During transit to the deployment area, the group is enhancing interoperability within its own units, progressing from basic exercises to more complex scenarios. Additionally, they are conducting cooperation activities with the French, German, Dutch and British navies, including air defence and surface warfare exercises, as well as joint activities with maritime patrol aircraft.

The group also provides an escort for the Ysabel, a logistic transport vessel carrying Spanish Army materiel belonging to the land component participating in the exercise. In this way, the deployment contributes to surveillance, deterrence and defence in peacetime against any threat.

Embarked on board Castilla is the Spanish Maritime Forces Headquarters (SPMARFOR), acting as the Maritime Component Command (MCC) of the NATO Allied Reaction Force during Exercise Steadfast Dart 26. Upon arrival in Kiel, the naval force completed its build-up with the integration of additional Allied units, reaching its final composition of 15 ships and approximately 2,600 personnel. Subordinated to SPMARFOR are the Turkish amphibious task group, four frigates from Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1), three mine countermeasures vessels from Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1), two combat support ships, and the amphibious assault ship Castilla. France, Poland, Germany, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Spain are the nations that make up the maritime component.

Exercise Steadfast Dart 26 provides an excellent opportunity to upgrade the level of training and foster interoperability, while strengthening cohesion among allies and contributing to the deterrence and defence capabilities of the Alliance, which are key elements to act when and where required in the event of a crisis or contingency.

From now on, maritime operations will take place in the Baltic Sea, a vital hub for NATO’s regional security. This region concentrates essential maritime trade routes, critical energy infrastructure and submarines cables upon which our economies and societies depend. Therefore, a credible and persistent maritime presence in this region is key to ensuring deterrence, freedom of navigation and the protection of the Alliance’s collective interests against threats and hybrid actions.