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NATO's Playbook Merlin 25 Enhances Baltic Sea Anti-Submarine Capabilities

NATO Allied Maritime Command

Nov 11 2025

Stockholm -- Allied submarines, ships, and aircraft came together for Playbook Merlin 25, a major NATO anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise taking place in the Baltic Sea from 10-14 November. Hundreds of Allied personnel from nine NATO nations trained together at sea to strengthen the Alliance's readiness, interoperability, and ability to respond to threats beneath the surface.

Hosted by Sweden and led by NATO's Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), Playbook Merlin 25 brings together cutting-edge tactics, technology, and teamwork. The exercise builds on last year's success, preparing NATO's submarine crews and surface forces for the demanding realities of undersea operations.

"Sweden plays an integral role with maritime security in the Baltic Sea," said Rear Adm. Bret Grabbe, Commander NATO Submarines. "Baltic nations bring an impressive amount of ASW capability to NATO as well as experienced leadership and maritime capacity. We thank the Swedish Navy for hosting exercise Merlin as well as all NATO navies that are participating and sharing regional ASW expertise."

Participating forces include submarines from Germany and Sweden, Maritime Patrol Aircraft from the United States, and surface ships and helicopters from France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

Operating in the Baltic Sea—a region vital to European stability and maritime security—Playbook Merlin 25 highlights NATO's flexibility and freedom of action. It showcases how Allied navies cooperate seamlessly to safeguard sea lines of communication, protect critical infrastructure, and hone skills in undersea warfare.

"As the newest member of NATO, the Swedish navy is proud to once again host Playbook activity Merlin. By sharing our knowledge and experience of underwater warfare in the unique conditions of the Baltic Sea region, we increase the security and stability, make NATO stronger and address the security challenges of today," said Rear Admiral Johan Norlén, Chief of the Swedish Navy. "It also demonstrates that Sweden is a NATO member that can be trusted and expected to take a big responsibility within the alliance, now and in the future."

The exercise reflects NATO's values-based approach to security, built on cooperation, transparency, and collective defense. By training together, Allies strengthen their capability and credibility to deter aggression and defend the Euro-Atlantic area.

Playbook Merlin is one of nearly a dozen major maritime exercises led annually by NATO Allied Maritime Command, alongside sister exercises Dynamic Mongoose in the North Atlantic and Dynamic Manta in the Mediterranean. Together, these operations ensure that NATO remains ready, united, and capable—above and below the waves.

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 able to respond to evolving maritime challenges.

Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM