Early subsequent month, NATO kicks off the 51st iteration of its annual Baltic Operations train, which this yr runs June 5-17 within the Baltic Sea, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby mentioned.
“[The exercise] supplies a singular coaching alternative that strengthens mixed response functionality and is essential to preserving the liberty of navigation and safety within the Baltic Sea area,” Kirby mentioned throughout a briefing as we speak. “Taking part nations will train a myriad of capabilities that reveal the inherent flexibility of maritime forces, together with amphibious operations, gunnery, anti-submarine, air protection workout routines, in addition to mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations.”
A complete of 14 NATO nations, together with Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Turkey, the UK and america will take part, Kirby mentioned. Moreover, NATO companion nations Finland and Sweden will even take part this yr — each nations have lately utilized to hitch NATO.
In complete, Kirby mentioned, about 45 maritime models, 75 plane and round 7,000 navy personnel will take part within the train.
On the similar time Sweden hosts this yr’s BALTOPS 22 train, Kirby mentioned, it additionally acknowledges the five hundredth anniversary of its personal navy.
“We’re grateful for his or her capability to steer and to host this yr,” Kirby mentioned. “It is a large train, heaps to get executed, and I do know they’re wanting ahead to it.”
As in earlier iterations of BALTOPS, maritime and air forces will work collectively to train medical evacuation, joint personnel restoration, air protection, maritime interdiction operations, anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures and amphibious operations, to strengthen the cohesion and capabilities of NATO allies and companions. This yr’s BALTOPS train is led by U.S. Sixth Fleet and shall be executed by Hanging Forces NATO.
