SNMCMG1 strengthens mine countermeasures readiness at BALTOPS 2025
NATO Allied Maritime Command
Jun 18 2025
Baltic Sea -- The multinational maritime exercise BALTOPS 2025 has officially concluded after several weeks of high-intensity operations across the Baltic Sea. This year's exercise brought together more than 40 ships, 25 aircraft and 9000 personnel from 16 NATO Allies and partner nations, reaffirming NATO's steadfast commitment to regional security, operational readiness, and collective defence.
BALTOPS is the largest annual maritime-focused exercise in Northern Europe, designed to strengthen cooperation, refine joint capabilities, and demonstrate NATO's ability to operate together in complex and contested environments.
Throughout the exercise, Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) and participating units carried out an impressive range of real and simulated operations. In total, 23 exercise mines were successfully recovered, while 29 historic mines —remnants of past conflicts — were found. In addition, a live countermining operation was conducted in Danish waters, further highlighting the realism and operational value of the exercise.
"BALTOPS 2025 not only enhanced our interoperability and readiness, but it also had a tangible impact at sea," said Belgian Navy Commander Erik Kockx, Commander of SNMCMG1. "Finding and countermining historic ordnance and conducting live mine countermeasures demonstrate that our presence here is not just symbolic — it makes the Baltic safer for all who rely on these waters."
Besides tactical training, the exercise was an opportunity to reinforce cooperation between Allies and partners, strengthen command and control structures, and practice responding to emerging maritime threats — all while ensuring the protection of critical underwater infrastructure and freedom of navigation in the region.
As BALTOPS 2025 concludes, NATO forces return to their home ports with strengthened bonds, sharpened skills, and a shared commitment to safeguarding stability and peace across the Baltic Sea and beyond.
Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM
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