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NATO mine countermeasures group strengthens Allied capabilities during Turkish-led Exercise NUSRET 2025

NATO Allied Maritime Command

Nov 4 2025

Türkiye -- Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two (SNMCMG2) wrapped up its participation in the Turkish-led naval exercise NUSRET 2025, which took place between 24 - 31 October. Organised annually by the Turkish Navy, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability and mine countermeasures (MCM) proficiency among Allied and Partner nations.

SNMCMG2 Units involved included the Italian flagship Thaon di Revel, the Greek minehunter HS Evropi, the Italian minehunter ITS Crotone, the Spanish minehunter ESPS Sella and the Turkish minehunter TCG Akçakoca. Their involvement was part of the Group's ongoing deployment, contributing to NATO's collective maritime security and operational readiness.

During the in-port phase, Force Commander Italian Navy Captain Fortunato Genovese met with local and naval authorities, fostering cooperation and professional exchange with the host nation.

On 26 October, the ships departed port and took part in a traditional photo exercise (PHOTEX) involving eleven naval units - a striking display of Allied cooperation at sea. Following the PHOTEX, SNMCMG2 minehunters carried out intensive mine countermeasures (MCM) operations, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, precision, and teamwork. Over the course of the exercise, seven dummy mines were successfully detected using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and recovered by the task group, underscoring NATO's advanced capabilities in ensuring maritime safety.

Meanwhile, the flagship ITS Thaon di Revel carried out advanced warfare training exercises - including an Air Defence Exercise (ADEX), Anti-Asymmetric Warfare Exercise (AASYWEX), and complex manoeuvring drills alongside the flagship TCG Sancaktar. These activities further enhanced coordination and interoperability among Allied units.

Commenting on the exercise, Captain Fortunato Genovese stated:

SNMCMG2's involvement in exercise NUSRET-25, thoughtfully planned and brilliantly directed by our Turkish Navy colleagues, was a fantastic chance to train alongside our Allies, hone our maritime warfare skills, fine-tune our procedures and enhance our readiness. The multi-threat scenario provided an excellent training environment for the flagship, the minehunters and the staff, showcasing once again strong interoperability among NATO assets.

During a Distinguished Visitors' Day, Allied ships showcased realistic mine warfare operations, including the coordinated laying, detection, and neutralisation of moored and drifting mines using naval, aerial, and unmanned assets - a strong demonstration of Allied technological integration and teamwork. The exercise concluded on 31 October with the traditional "Hot Wash-Up", during which feedback and lessons identified were shared to consolidate experiences and pinpoint areas for improvement.

Exercise NUSRET 2025 highlighted SNMCMG2's readiness and commitment to keep Sea Lines of Communications safe and secure.

Standing NATO Maritime Groups operate under the operational control of Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), the central hub for maritime security coordination within the Alliance. Together, these forces provide a continuous and credible presence at sea, ensuring that NATO remains ready and capable to respond to evolving maritime challenges.

Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM