As the host nation, Italy is providing support in the Catania, Augusta and Siracusa harbour, naval helicopter base in Catania, Naval Air Station Sigonella, Trapani Air Base as well as logistical support (refuelling 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, UK and the US for the exercise. Maritime patrol aircraft from Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, UK and the US 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 co-ordinating their efforts with the air and surface participants.

NATO's maritime power lies in the ability of the Standing Forces to rapidly join with high readiness, high capacity national forces to deliver effects when and where needed, according to US Navy Rear Admiral Stephen Mack, Commander Submarines NATO.

"Exercises like this, along with regular training between Allied navy units and our multinational Standing Naval Forces, is a force multiplier that provides a collectively trained and interoperable force, ready to work together as the maritime portion of the VJTF [Very High Joint Readiness Task Force]," he said.

VIEW ALL

"This exercise is a visible demonstration of the Alliance’s ability to cooperate and effectively integrate. Alliance unit, solidarity, and cohesion are the core of NATO."

Dynamic Manta is a planned NATO exercise that occurs every year in Italy and is one of the two major anti-submarine warfare exercises led every year by NATO Maritime Command.

[Related: Rheinmetall unveils new Lynx 120 infantry fighting vehicle variant]