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Allied Submarines Enhance ASW Interoperability and Test Unmanned Systems during Dynamic Messenger/REPMUS 25

NATO Allied Maritime Command

Sep 16 2025

Troia, Portugal -- Submarines from the U.S. and Portuguese navies conducted training and operational experimentation during Dynamic Messenger/REPMUS 2025 in waters near Portugal enhancing the ability of the navies to conduct Allied submarine operations while testing the integration of unmanned systems.

USS New Mexico (SSN 779), a Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, and NRP Tridente (209PN), a diesel-electric Tridente-class submarine, conducted ASW training alongside the Portuguese frigate NRP Francico de Almeida (F334) and the Offshore Patrol Vessell NRP Setubal (P363).

In addition to the ASW training, USS New Mexico conducted an operational experimentation exercise deploying a submarine launched unmanned aerial system (UAS).

"This training and the operational experimentation embody innovation and demonstrate how Allies can integrate submarines with unmanned platforms to achieve operational advantage," said Rear Adm. Grabbe, Commander of NATO Submarines.

The ASW training with the Portuguese navy strengthened the interoperability of Allied navies while the operations with unmanned systems provided a unique opportunity for USS New Mexico to conduct real-world operational experimentation activities in a complex and challenging maritime environment.

"Our commitment to Dynamic Messenger/REPMUS highlights the shared imperative for the U.S. and all our NATO partners to defend the seabed," said Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher, Commander Submarine Force / Allied Submarine Command. "By demonstrating interoperability between our platforms, people, and robotic autonomous systems (RAS), we build the capability and capacity to share the burden of defending our critical undersea infrastructure."

Led by NATO's Allied Maritime Command, Dynamic Messenger consists of a series of operational experimentation exercises and demonstrations aimed at accelerating new military technology to maintain and enhance the operational and technological advantage of the Alliance.

Operating in tandem with Dynamic Messenger, Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Unmanned Systems (REPMUS) is a Portuguese-led experimentation exercise that focuses on maritime unmanned systems (MUS) experimentation, capability development and interoperability.

"Having the Portuguese submarine NRP Tridente operating with USS New Mexico, participating in the largest NATO/Portugal maritime robotics exercise in the world, Dynamic Messenger/REPMUS, and conducting operational experimentation with unmanned systems, constitutes a relevant milestone in the already long history of the Portuguese Navy Submarine Service," said Vice Admiral José Salvado de Figueiredo, Fleet Commander of the Portuguese Navy.

Both exercises focus on operational output and enhancing the spiral development of both NATO's innovation teams and the national initiatives of Allies. The objective is to help Allies deliver unmanned systems and technology to naval forces with speed and scale, in the most relevant operational environments.

Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) is the central command of all NATO maritime forces and the MARCOM Commander is the primary maritime advisor to the Alliance.

Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM