NATO has showcased its underwater surveillance capabilities during a recent demonstration of an unmanned surface vessel in the Baltic Sea.
In a 21 February statement, NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) and NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT) said the trials, held in waters near Denmark from February 17 to 20, specifically tested the operational capabilities of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) in various scenarios, including live-fire drills, tactical maneuvers, and counter-unmanned system training
MARCOM and ACT said the demonstration was conducted to help advance the integration of innovative uncrewed technologies into alliance activities.
🇩🇪 German minehunter Datteln Joined NATO’s Unmanned Systems Demonstration.
As part of #SNMCMG1, the German Navy’s Datteln participated in a NATO demonstration in the Baltic Sea, integrating Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) into fleet operations. The demonstration, held near 🇩🇰… pic.twitter.com/lpJLnjFgSK— NATO Maritime Command (@NATO_MARCOM) February 27, 2025
Ships from Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) – led by its flagship, the Royal Netherlands Navy De Zeven Provincien air-defence and command frigate HNLMS Tromp – participated at the recent demonstration, alongside Royal Danish Navy and German Navy assets.
“This demonstration highlighted NATO’s ability to trial and integrate uncrewed systems into the networked operational environment,” said MARCOM Commander Vice Admiral Mike Utley. “Operational output is the requirement. These trials enabled learning and insights to deliver greater speed and scale of integration, further building [NATO] military advantage.”
Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, emphasized that the deployment of USVs allows for persistent maritime surveillance while reducing risks to personnel.
He noted that these autonomous systems also help close existing gaps in detection capabilities, particularly in areas beyond the reach of conventional monitoring tools. The effort mirrors similar initiatives by the U.S. Navy, such as Task Force 59, which has successfully tested autonomous vessels in the Middle East.
NATO forces currently maintain a presence in the Baltic Sea as part of the Baltic Sentry mission which aims to deter further attempts to damage critical underwater infrastructure in the region.
Our @NATOAWACS are supporting multi-domain operations during Baltic Sentry in the Baltic Sea, providing enhanced aerial situational awareness to maritime vessels#NATO stands ready to deter and defend against any threats and attempts to damage critical undersea infrastructure pic.twitter.com/vg1jCcobYL
— NATO Air Command (@NATO_AIRCOM) February 11, 2025
The recent demonstration serves as a precursor to NATO’s upcoming Dynamic Messenger exercise in September 2025, which will focus on refining the operational use of unmanned maritime systems.
