According to information published by the U.S. DoD on February 21, 2022, NATO exercise Dynamic Manta (DYMA22) began off the Sicilian coast. Ships, submarines, as well as aircraft and personnel from nine Allied nations, converged in the Central Mediterranean Sea for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare training.
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Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 ships and submarines sail in formation in the Ionian Sea (Picture source: NATO)
The aim of Dynamic Manta is to provide all participants with complex and challenging warfare training to enhance their interoperability and proficiency in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare disciplines while maintaining a focus on safety.
As the host nation, Italy is providing support in the Catania, Augusta, and Siracusa harbor, naval helicopter base in Catania, Naval Air Station Sigonella, Trapani Air Base as well as logistical support (refueling operations, medical assistance, and personnel accommodation) from Augusta naval base.
Submarines from France, Greece, and Italy joined surface ships from Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, the U.K., and the U.S. for the exercise. Maritime patrol aircraft from Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the U.K., and the U.S. support the simulated, multi-threat environment during the exercise.
Each surface ship will have the opportunity to conduct a variety of submarine warfare operations. The submarines will take turns hunting and being hunted, closely coordinating their efforts with the air and surface participants.
Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) is a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) standing maritime immediate reaction force. SNMG2 consists of four to six destroyers and frigates.
The ships as of 14 February 2022 consist of Italian Bergamini-class frigate, Carlo Margottini, Turkish Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, TCG Göksu, and Spanish Álvaro de Bazán class frigate, Blas de Lezo.
