Russia closely watches NATO partners’ major exercises in the Baltic Sea (Video)

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Far-reaching impact Local situation Mine Countermeasures Video: Naval actions during Baltops 24

News | June 20, 2024 | 11:31

How do you deal with hybrid threats in an amphibious scenario? How do you deal with private armies and disinformation? These are some of the scenarios that have played out in recent weeks. Baltic Sea business (Top of the ball). Today is the final day of a large-scale naval exercise held by NATO partners in the Baltic Sea involving about 9,000 soldiers, more than 50 naval ships and about 85 aviation units.

Marines conduct amphibious landing. — The Marines conducted an amphibious landing from the USS John DeWitt.

The British Royal Navy has 7 ships. Commander of the Dutch Navy Commander Arjen Warnaar led an amphibious task group and, among other things, oversaw how Dutch marines conducted an amphibious landing from the Johan de Witt together with their German and Swedish colleagues.

This took place in Swedish and Latvian waters. Sweden was participating for the first time as a NATO member. Werner said the location was perfect for this exercise. Russia is close at hand and patrols intensively in the Baltic Sea. This is an area where Russian pressure is intense. This contributed to what NATO partners in the region described as a very realistic situation. It was very similar to how Crimea, Ukraine, was attacked in 2014.

Naval Ship Zr.Ms. John DeWitt. — Ms. Zr. John DeWitt led one of the amphibious task forces.

Far-reaching impact

19 NATO partners must deal with Private military groups This threatens the order and sovereignty of the Baltic states. False information is often used. “Such a situation can have a profound impact on the way military units operate,” explains Werner. “The power to intervene lies with the state that asks us for help.” The entire situation must be carefully evaluated not only militarily but also legally.

Amphibious landing. — The Dutch marines work alongside colleagues from Germany and Sweden.

Local situation

Of course, the Netherlands is not as familiar with the eastern waters as its host nations, Lithuania, Latvia and Sweden. So the knowledge of these Baltic partners is fully utilized, Varnar said. “They are able to help us achieve our training goals because they are very familiar with the local situation and potential adversaries.

In addition, the contact provided an excellent opportunity to familiarize ourselves with their material. This was specifically adapted to the local context. We were warmly welcomed and well supported. The phrase ‘stronger together’ was often heard.”

Soldiers with weapons. — The phrase “United, we are stronger” is often heard.

Mine Countermeasures

In addition to the amphibious landings, the 53rd Operation Bartop also included other maritime operations such as mine countermeasures. For this purpose, the Netherlands sent a mine countermeasures task force led by Lieutenant Peter Bars. The task force consisted of Zr.Ms. Willemstad, Makkum, Zierikzee, Mercuur and MV Geography SeaThe National Defense Diving Team was also present. The ZR. MS Holland was part of the escort task force. The patrol ship completed the Netherlands contribution.

By participating in these types of international exercises, Dutch soldiers can keep their skills up to date. This helps prepare for the main mission: defending our own territory and that of our allies.