NATO News & Updates

[Khafee]

Hungary will lead NATO's Baltic Air Policing next month
By
Allen Cone

A U.S. Air Force ‪‎B-52‬ Stratofortress leads a formation of aircraft, including two Polish air force ‪‎F-16‬ Fighting Falcons, four U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, two German ‪‎Eurofighter‬ ‎Typhoons‬ and four ‪‎Swedish‬ ‎Gripens‬ over the Baltic Sea, on June 9, 2016. Photo by Senior Airman Erin Babis/U.S. Air Force | License Photo


April 18 (UPI) -- Hungary will lead NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission beginning next month at Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania with assistance by Britain and Spain.
This will be the 50th Baltic Air Policing deployment, NATO said in a news release Wednesday.

NATO member countries have taken turns safeguarding Baltic airspace since Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined the alliance in 2004. Other participants are United States, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Turkey.

The Baltic nations were under Soviet Union rule from from the end of World War II in 1945 until independence in 1991.

Hungary will use the JAS-39 Gripen fighter aircraft during the mission. Spain will augment the mission with F-18s at Šiauliai, and the United Kingdom will deploy Eurofighter aircraft to Amari Air Base in Estonia.

In 2015, Hungary also deployed their Gripen fighters and an air force detachment to lead the mission.

Spain has deployed six times under the mission, including twice as lead nation in 2006 and 2016, and three times as augmenting nation at Amari in 2015, 2017 and 2018.

Britain was the third nation to lead the mission in 2004 and have since augmented once in Siauliai in 2014 and twice in Amari in 2015 and 2016.

"The two additional detachments deployed to the region in the next four months demonstrate collective resolve and deter any threat against NATO allies," NATO said in a news release.

NATO Baltic Air Policing is a peacetime defensive mission that joins NATO Allies together to protect each other, "setting a spirit of solidarity within the alliance."

In 2014, NATO authorized additional fighter detachments to deploy to the region in response to Russia's "illegal actions" in Ukraine.

During the 2014 Crimean crisis, the U.S. Air Force deployed six F-15C Eagle fighter jets from Lakenheath air base in eastern England to the Lithuanian Air Force Base near Šiauliai. Poland hosts 10 U.S Air Force personnel to support rotations of the jets for joint training with the Polish air force.

Allied Air Command, with its Combined Air Operations Center at Uedem, Germany, can employ more flexibility providing an air policing capability to safeguard NATO airspace in the Baltic Region, NATO said.

Hungary will lead NATO's Baltic Air Policing next month

 

[Khafee]

NATO ‘Worried’ about Turkey’s Plans to Deploy S-400
06 May, 2019

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. (Reuters)



NATO expressed on Monday its concern over Turkey’s plan to deploy a Russian missile defense system.

Speaking from Ankara, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the consequences of the deployment of the S-400 system are worrying, as Washington has made clear it would impose sanctions.

NATO would want to avoid conditions where allies impose sanctions on one another, he added after talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

Last week, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Turkey was not distancing itself from the NATO alliance by buying the defense system.

Turkey and the United States, NATO allies, have been at odds over Ankara's move to buy the S-400, which Washington says are not compatible with NATO systems and may threaten the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, of which Turkey is a prospective buyer and partner in production, Reuters reported.


https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1710491/nato-‘worried’-about-turkey’s-plans-deploy-s-400

 

[Khafee]

U.S., NATO allies start Formidable Shield exercise in Scotland
By Allen Cone
MAY 7, 2019

(UPI) -- Nine nations, led by the U.S. 6th Fleet, on Tuesday began Formidable Shield, a live-fire integrated air and missile defense exercise in Scotland that lasts through May 19.

The biennial Formidable Shield is designed "to assure allies, deter adversaries and demonstrate our commitment to collective defense of the alliance," according to a U.S. Navy 6th Fleet news release.

Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Britain and the United States are contributing 13 ships, more than 10 aircraft and approximately 3,300 personnel to the exercise at Britain's Ministry of Defense's Hebrides Missile Range, near Scotland's Western Isles. Ships are docked at Faslane Naval Base in Scotland.

Belgium and Germany also will support the exercise with staff officers embarked with Task Group IAMD.

"Exercise Formidable Shield demonstrates the United States and our allied maritime partners high end war fighting capability in integrated air and missile defense," said Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet and commander of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO.

"This significant investment of resources, time, and personnel ensures we are ready to deploy and operate anywhere, anytime, to defend the alliance and deter aggression."

She said the maritime operations provide a "tremendous opportunity to enhance our interoperability and test our capabilities as we collectively work to maintain a safe, secure and prosperous European region."

During the exercise, the nations' forces will share common tactical pictures and situational awareness, as well as conduct NATO-level mission planning and engagement coordination, and exercise force-level, pre-planned responses with capabilities and limitations.

"Exercise Formidable Shield 2019 will once again help us refine our air and missile defense capabilities with our partners and allies by training together and demonstrating our ability to ensure the cooperative security and collective defense of the NATO Alliance," Capt. Shanti Sethi, commander of Task Group IAMD for Formidable Shield, and commander of U.S. 6th Fleet's Task Force 64.

Among the U.S. ships participating are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Carney and USS Roosevelt, as well as the USNS Medgar Evers, a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship.

Canada sent the HMCS St. John's, a Halifax-class frigate, to participate in missile firing. The frigate will fire its Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles during the training, the Ottawa Citizen reported.

Orther units participating include the Italian frigate Carlo Bergamini, Royal Navy destroyer Defender, French frigate Bretagne, Dutch frigate De Ruyter and Norwegian frigate Otto Sverdrup, according to Naval Today.

The 2017 exercise covered 932 miles west of the Scottish Hebrides, and the 434 miles from the south of Ireland to the southern tip of Iceland, according to the Thales Group, a French multinational company and military contractor.

Shipping traffic is forbidden from traveling through part of the exercise area. Several hundred passenger and cargo flights have been cordoned from the area.

U.S., NATO allies start Formidable Shield exercise in Scotland - UPI.com

Nine nations, led by the U.S. 6th Fleet, on Tuesday began Formidable Shield, a live-fire integrated air and missile defense exercise in Scotland through May 19.

www.upi.com

 

[Khafee]

NATO strengthens its strike group on the border of Moldova

Sunday, May 12, 2019 1:00:07 PM




NATO is increasing its military presence on the border with Moldova. Hundreds of soldiers and F-16 aircraft the Fort Worth airbase in Texas were deployed to Romania "to strengthen the defense in the Eastern zone of NATO" and prevent "possible Russian aggression."

According to Romanian authorities, the presence of the US air force guarantees a successful deterrent to any possible aggression.

" We have our ‘friendly’ neighbor on the east side, that sometimes puts a lot of pressure, not only on our country, but on the entire eastern flank of NATO," said the representative of the Romanian armed forces, major Cosmin Tanase.

Two hundred fifty American soldiers and 12 F-16C fighters have been relocated to the Romanian Air Force 71st Air Basen near Campia Turzii. American partners also plan to invest $ 40 million in the construction of a new air base in the Romanian territory.

The United States European Command (EUCOM) announced that in the summer of 2019 the US will deploy a THAAD missile defense system in Romania at the request of NATO.

NATO strengthens its strike group on the border of Moldova

NATO is increasing its military presence on the border with Moldova. Hundreds of soldiers and F-16 aircraft the Fort Worth airbase in Texas were deployed to Romania "to strengthen the defense in the Eastern zone of NATO" and prevent "possible Russian aggression." According to Romanian...

uawire.org

 

[Khafee]

Hungarian and British fighters intercept two Russian warplanes over the Baltics

May 15, 2019


Hungarian Gripen fighters deployed at the Siauliai airfield in Lithuania on May 14, for the second time in the last 24 hours, were scrambled over the Baltic Sea to intercept Russian aicraft as reported by the Hungarian Ministry of Defense. According to the report, British Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from the Estonia's Amari Air Base flew to their aid, reports Radio Liberty.

According to the information of the Hungarian Ministry of Defense, these fighters flew to intercept Russian military aircraft Il-22 and Su-27 which were carrying out flight maneuvers in international airspace over the Baltic Sea without having established any radio contact with the air traffic control services of the Baltic countries.

The Hungarian and British fighters patrolling this air sector at an altitude of 8,600 meters carried out a maneuver to intercept the Russian military aircraft and returned to their air bases in Lithuania and Estonia.

Russia has not confirmed or denied what happened in the air.

On May 13, for the first time, Hungarian fighters from the Joint NATO Air Defense Center in Germany were scrambled to intercept Russian An-26 aircraft violating Baltic airspace.

About one hundred Hungarian soldiers including a flight unit of four Gripen JAS-39 type fighters, on May 1, for the second time since 2015, are carrying out a 4-month patrol to protect Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian airspace. The Hungarian military works in shifts to strengthen the Air Defense units of Spain and the United Kingdom operating under the NATO command from an airfield in the Lithuanian city of Siauliai.

Hungarian and British fighters intercept two Russian warplanes over the Baltics

Hungarian Gripen fighters deployed at the Siauliai airfield in Lithuania on May 14, for the second time in the last 24 hours, were scrambled over the Baltic Sea to intercept Russian aicraft as reported by the Hungarian Ministry of Defense. According to the report, British Eurofighter Typhoon...

uawire.org

 

[Khafee]

NATO to adopt new military strategy in light of 'growing Russian threat'
Sunday, May 26, 2019



For the first time in recent decades, NATO’s military experts have reconsidered the alliance’s military strategy in connection with the “growing nuclear threat” from Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag.

“Our military experts adopted a new military strategy for the alliance this week,” Stoltenberg said.

He observed that since 2014, a “new security situation has emerged”, with new challenges in eastern and southern Europe.

“We need to continue to fully demonstrate our defensive capabilities, and have the ability to ensure stability. This sometimes requires new military concepts,” the secretary general explained.

He emphasized that part of the alliance’s strength lies in its ability to change, if necessary.

The NATO secretary general recalled that in 2014, the organization’s member states agreed to increase their defense expenditure to 2% of their GDP. He remarked that this is not some arbitrary figure designed to satisfy US President Donald Trump’s demands, but rather “reflects the requirements associated with the alliance’s military defensive capabilities”.

Stoltenberg welcomed Germany’s willingness to increase its defense expenditure to 1.35% of the GDP this year, and expressed hope that the percentage would be further increased in future.

NATO to adopt new military strategy in light of 'growing Russian threat'

For the first time in recent decades, NATO’s military experts have reconsidered the alliance’s military strategy in connection with the “growing nuclear threat” from Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag. “Our military experts adopted a new...

uawire.org

 

[Khafee]

NATO Air Defense Forces exercises to be held in Poland in June
Tuesday, May 28, 2019



NATO troops will hold a military exercise in Poland called "Tobruq Legacy – 19" from June 3 to 19. Air defense activities will be practiced during the maneuvers, reports Defence24.pl news portal.

About 4,800 troops from Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, the USA, the Czech Republic, and the UK will attend the exercise, and 1,200 units of equipment will be involved. It is expected that during the maneuvers Patriot missile systems will be used, as well as several short-range systems such as Kub and Osa.

It is reported that the purpose of the exercise is to demonstrate the capability of the multinational ground-based air defense systems of NATO to cooperate under one command following the procedures of the Alliance. During the training, it is planned to conduct maneuvers at the staff level, as well as tactical exercises, shooting, use of various early warning systems, liaison, and communication.

NATO Air Defense Forces exercises to be held in Poland in June

NATO troops will hold a military exercise in Poland called "Tobruq Legacy – 19" from June 3 to 19. Air defense activities will be practiced during the maneuvers, reports Defence24.pl news portal. About 4,800 troops from Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, the USA, the Czech...

uawire.org

 

[Khafee]

US gives EU ultimatum for defense cooperation
Monday, June 3, 2019 10:00:24 AM




The US has demanded that European countries make changes to their defense policy, otherwise Washington will discontinue its joint military development projects with the EU, El Pais reports, citing documents in its possession.

According to the news outlet, the parties met on 22 May to discuss matters relating to the European Defense Fund, which will finance military technology research and procurement.

The US believes that the European rules are too restrictive with respect to intellectual property and export control, and could prevent American companies from working on defense projects in Europe.

“When a crisis emerges and your defense fails, your citizens will not be very impressed by the fact that the acquired weapons were only from European countries,” said Michael Murphy, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.

Unless the restrictions are changed, the EU will have two choices: to stop using the “best technological capabilities”, or to make its own, Murphy explained.

He added that, if there is a serious crisis, the EU will need assistance from the US, UK, Canada and Norway. However, such assistance may not be possible if Brussel’s military plans prevent the US and Europe from working together in the weapons industry. The US State Department representative did not specify exactly what steps Washington will take if its demands are not met.

At the end of April, US President Donald Trump announced that the US was withdrawing from the Arms Trade Treaty, which regulates the trade of tanks, armored vehicles, large-caliber artillery systems, military aircraft, helicopters, ships and missiles, firearms and small arms. Trump claimed that withdrawing from the treaty is a step towards the protection of Americans’ rights. The EU did not support Trump’s decision, and commented that by doing so, it will make it harder for the US to fight against the illegal arms trade.

US gives EU ultimatum for defense cooperation

The US has demanded that European countries make changes to their defense policy, otherwise Washington will discontinue its joint military development projects with the EU, El Pais reports, citing documents in its possession. According to the news outlet, the parties met on 22 May to discuss...

uawire.org

 

[Khafee]

US gives EU ultimatum for defense cooperation
Monday, June 3, 2019 10:00:24 AM




The US has demanded that European countries make changes to their defense policy, otherwise Washington will discontinue its joint military development projects with the EU, El Pais reports, citing documents in its possession.

According to the news outlet, the parties met on 22 May to discuss matters relating to the European Defense Fund, which will finance military technology research and procurement.

The US believes that the European rules are too restrictive with respect to intellectual property and export control, and could prevent American companies from working on defense projects in Europe.

“When a crisis emerges and your defense fails, your citizens will not be very impressed by the fact that the acquired weapons were only from European countries,” said Michael Murphy, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.

Unless the restrictions are changed, the EU will have two choices: to stop using the “best technological capabilities”, or to make its own, Murphy explained.

He added that, if there is a serious crisis, the EU will need assistance from the US, UK, Canada and Norway. However, such assistance may not be possible if Brussel’s military plans prevent the US and Europe from working together in the weapons industry. The US State Department representative did not specify exactly what steps Washington will take if its demands are not met.

At the end of April, US President Donald Trump announced that the US was withdrawing from the Arms Trade Treaty, which regulates the trade of tanks, armored vehicles, large-caliber artillery systems, military aircraft, helicopters, ships and missiles, firearms and small arms. Trump claimed that withdrawing from the treaty is a step towards the protection of Americans’ rights. The EU did not support Trump’s decision, and commented that by doing so, it will make it harder for the US to fight against the illegal arms trade.

US gives EU ultimatum for defense cooperation

The US has demanded that European countries make changes to their defense policy, otherwise Washington will discontinue its joint military development projects with the EU, El Pais reports, citing documents in its possession. According to the news outlet, the parties met on 22 May to discuss...

uawire.org

 

[Khafee]

HMS Queen Elizabeth to be committed to NATO
Nicholas Fiorenza, London
04 June 2019

The Royal Navy's new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth , will be made available to NATO under the alliance's Readiness Initiative when it becomes operational in 2021, outgoing prime minister Theresa May announced on 4 June. "NATO will soon be able to call on the UK's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and F-35 fighter jets to help tackle threats around the world," she said.

The Readiness Initiative was launched by NATO leaders during their 11-12 July 2018 Brussels summit, where they approved the so-called 'Four Thirties', committing to making 30 mechanised battalions, 30 air squadrons, and 30 warships ready for rapid reinforcement during a crisis within no more than 30 days by 2020, drawing on existing national forces.

The Readiness Initiative aims to help NATO face threats from the east, south, and further afield.

UK Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said on 4 June, "Be it projecting influence for peace, standing ready to fight, or delivering vital aid around the world, HMS Queen Elizabeth and her sister ship, ... Prince of Wales , will fly the flag of a Global Britain. Nothing symbolises the leading role that we play in NATO more than our nation's future flagship being ready to respond to any challenge that the alliance may face."

This was preceded on 3 June by a British Army announcement on its website that one of its WAH-64 Apache AH1 attack helicopters landed on HMS Queen Elizabeth on 3 June.

The landing of the helicopter, from 656 Squadron Army Air Corps, kicked off three days of platform ship integration testing (PSIT) and evaluation under the UK's Joint Helicopter Command. This will assess the compatibility of the attack helicopter with Queen Elizabeth 's operating systems, including moving it on the flight deck and hangars, maintenance and arming, and using the aircraft lifts.

Janes | Latest defence and security news

Janes | The latest defence and security news from Janes - the trusted source for defence intelligence

www.janes.com

 

[Khafee]

HMS Queen Elizabeth to be committed to NATO
Nicholas Fiorenza, London
04 June 2019
View attachment 7546
The Royal Navy's new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth , will be made available to NATO under the alliance's Readiness Initiative when it becomes operational in 2021, outgoing prime minister Theresa May announced on 4 June. "NATO will soon be able to call on the UK's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and F-35 fighter jets to help tackle threats around the world," she said.

The Readiness Initiative was launched by NATO leaders during their 11-12 July 2018 Brussels summit, where they approved the so-called 'Four Thirties', committing to making 30 mechanised battalions, 30 air squadrons, and 30 warships ready for rapid reinforcement during a crisis within no more than 30 days by 2020, drawing on existing national forces.

The Readiness Initiative aims to help NATO face threats from the east, south, and further afield.

UK Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said on 4 June, "Be it projecting influence for peace, standing ready to fight, or delivering vital aid around the world, HMS Queen Elizabeth and her sister ship, ... Prince of Wales , will fly the flag of a Global Britain. Nothing symbolises the leading role that we play in NATO more than our nation's future flagship being ready to respond to any challenge that the alliance may face."

This was preceded on 3 June by a British Army announcement on its website that one of its WAH-64 Apache AH1 attack helicopters landed on HMS Queen Elizabeth on 3 June.

The landing of the helicopter, from 656 Squadron Army Air Corps, kicked off three days of platform ship integration testing (PSIT) and evaluation under the UK's Joint Helicopter Command. This will assess the compatibility of the attack helicopter with Queen Elizabeth 's operating systems, including moving it on the flight deck and hangars, maintenance and arming, and using the aircraft lifts.

Janes | Latest defence and security news

Janes | The latest defence and security news from Janes - the trusted source for defence intelligence

www.janes.com

 

[Khafee]

NATO confirms Ukraine could become a member state under President Zelensky
Wednesday, June 5, 2019



During a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO’s decision for Ukraine to eventually join the alliance remains in effect, reports Evropeyska Pravda.

In response to a question about Ukraine’s prospects for further rapprochement between Ukraine and the alliance, the Secretary General stressed that despite there being a new president in Ukraine, NATO’s approach remains unchanged. "We stand by the decision made at the Bucharest Summit and we have already confirmed this several times,” he said.

The outcome of the Bucharest Summit held in 2008 was that one day Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance.

Stoltenberg also discussed what was said during his meeting with Zelensky. “Our focus is on reforms. President Zelensky said, emphasized, that it is important for Ukraine to meet NATO standards and would therefore be implementing reforms,” he said, paying special attention to reforming the security sector and fighting corruption.

At the same time, the Secretary General stressed that it is up to Ukraine to choose how far it will go.

Earlier, it was reported that the President of Ukraine met with Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels. Zelensky told the NATO Secretary General that he is ready to enter peace talks with the Russian Federation.

NATO confirms Ukraine could become a member state under President Zelensky

During a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO’s decision for Ukraine to eventually join the alliance remains in effect, reports Evropeyska Pravda. In response to a question about Ukraine’s prospects...

uawire.org

 

[Khafee]

NATO confirms Ukraine could become a member state under President Zelensky
Wednesday, June 5, 2019



During a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO’s decision for Ukraine to eventually join the alliance remains in effect, reports Evropeyska Pravda.

In response to a question about Ukraine’s prospects for further rapprochement between Ukraine and the alliance, the Secretary General stressed that despite there being a new president in Ukraine, NATO’s approach remains unchanged. "We stand by the decision made at the Bucharest Summit and we have already confirmed this several times,” he said.

The outcome of the Bucharest Summit held in 2008 was that one day Ukraine will become a member of the Alliance.

Stoltenberg also discussed what was said during his meeting with Zelensky. “Our focus is on reforms. President Zelensky said, emphasized, that it is important for Ukraine to meet NATO standards and would therefore be implementing reforms,” he said, paying special attention to reforming the security sector and fighting corruption.

At the same time, the Secretary General stressed that it is up to Ukraine to choose how far it will go.

Earlier, it was reported that the President of Ukraine met with Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels. Zelensky told the NATO Secretary General that he is ready to enter peace talks with the Russian Federation.

NATO confirms Ukraine could become a member state under President Zelensky

During a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO’s decision for Ukraine to eventually join the alliance remains in effect, reports Evropeyska Pravda. In response to a question about Ukraine’s prospects...

uawire.org

 

[Khafee]

NATO plans exercise in July with Ukraine in the Black Sea -WDF Exclusive
06 June 2019
Eagle1

Brussels - In a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg, issued a joint statement, which was broadcasted on the NATO website.

During this communique, it was also announced that NATO plans to conduct a military exercise in the Black Sea, with the Ukrainian army in July 2019.

Mr.Stolenberg, stated that NATO will continue to provide political and practical support to Ukraine, including joint military exercises. An allocation of Euro40m had also been made, for Ukraine to improve its expertise in, cyber defense and military medicine.

President Zelensky, expressed hope that the NUC (NATO—Ukraine Commission ) would start soon, which had been stopped due to objections by Hungary, because of its concerns for the Hungarian community, in West Ukraine.

 

[Khafee]

U.S. Navy leads 18-nation exercise in Germany
By Allen Cone
June 10, 2019

View attachment 7844
Marines and sailors aboard the USS Mount Whitney, a Blue-Ridge class amphibious command ship, make final preparations Tuesday in Kiel, Germany, before participating in BALTOPS 19 . Photo by Cpl. Abrey Liggins/U.S. Marine Corps

View attachment 7845
A mechanic conducts a freshwater washdown Wednesday of a MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter aboard the Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ship USS Mount Whitney in Kiel, Gerany, in preparation for Baltic Operations 2019. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jack D. Aistrup/U.S. Navy

View attachment 7846
The USS Fort McHenry, a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship, prepares to moor Thursday at Naval Base Kiel-Tirpitzhafen in preparation for Baltops 2019. Photo by Cpl. Abrey Liggins/U.S. Marine Corps

View attachment 7847
The British Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship, RFA Argus, sits pier side at Naval Base Kiel-Tirpitzhafen, Germany, on Saturday in preparation for BALTOPs 2019. Photo by Cpl. Abrey Liggins/U.S. Marine Corps

View attachment 7848
The Turkish Gabya Class-frigate T.C.G. Gokova departs Naval Base Kiel-Tirpitzhafen, Germany, Sunday, in preparation for BALTOPS 2019 in Kiel, Germany. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua M. Tolbert/U.S. Navy

View attachment 7849
Ships are moored pierside at Naval Base Kiel-Tirpitzhafen, Germany, Friday in preparation for BALTOPS 2019. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua M. Tolbert/U.S. Navy

June 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy's 2nd Fleet is leading BALTOPS, a two-week, 18-nation exercise that involves 8,600 personnel in Germany's Baltic Sea port of Kiel.

The 47th annual multinational Baltic Operations began Sunday and ends June 21 among the NATO allies.

BALTOPS, which is an annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region, is one of the largest exercises in northern Europe "enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations," according to a Navy news release.

"No one nation can face today's challenges alone, we are much stronger together," Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, commander of the U.S. 2nd Fleet, said. "Our partner and NATO alliances must continue to strengthen our deterrence and defense efforts and adapt through improving readiness and responsiveness."

Other participating nations are Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Turkey.

The exercise will include 50 surface ships, 36 aircraft and two submarines. The USS Mount Whitney, a Blue-Ridge class amphibious command ship, and the USS Fort McHenry, a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship, are among the ships participating.

"I think BALTOPS represents the habit we have made in operating in a coalition environment and in a multinational environment," said British Royal Navy Rear Adm. Andrew Burns. "One of the advantages, particularly in the NATO framework, as we operate together more and more we standardize our procedures so we now have a generation of military folk who are used to operating together with standard procedures."

Activities will include finding and destroying sea mines and submarines, using air defense and landing troops onshore as well as defense against attack from enemy navy vessels.

NATO's Air Operations Center in Uedem will direct all air operations.

"Baltic Sea is of vital strategic importance for the Alliance and is bordered by six NATO countries," NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said in a news release. "BALTOPS is now in its 47th year and is not directed against anyone -- but clearly the security environment in the region has deteriorated after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea."

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania touch the Baltic Sea, and Finland, Norway and Sweden dip into the sea.

A scheduled landing is planned in Klaipeda, Lithuania, about 90 miles from where Russia maintains a naval base in Kaliningrad, USNI News reported.

The 2nd Fleet command in Norfolk, Va., was re-established last year amid Russia's growing naval activity in the Atlantic.

"BALTOPS tests how well our forces work together and shows that NATO can defend itself against any adversary," Lungescu said.

Also, BALTOPS will be among the first major training opportunities for the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force, which includes 3,000 personnel from several NATO and partner countries.

After BALTOPS, most ships participate in the Kielerwochen naval parade in Kiel, NATO said.

U.S. Navy leads 18-nation exercise in Germany - UPI.com

The U.S. Navy's 2nd Fleet is leading BALTOPS, a two-week, 18-nation exercise that involves 8,600 personnel in the Baltic Sea.

www.upi.com