Baltops 25: NATO launches flagship maritime exercise in the Baltic Sea

On June 5, NATO kicks off BALTOPS 25, its premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Sea region. Running through June 20, this 54th edition gathers over 50 warships, 25 aircraft, and more than 9,000 military personnel from 18 Allied and partner nations. The exercise underscores NATO’s commitment to maritime security, interoperability, and collective defense in an increasingly complex operational environment.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 04.06.2025, 07:17 Reading time: 2 min

Two men in helmets watch a naval vessel entering the port — fot. Marynarka Wojenna RP

In brief

The NATO naval exercise BALTOPS 25 began on 5 June and will run until 20 June. The 54th edition of the manoeuvres involves more than 50 warships, 25 aircraft and more than 9,000 troops from 18 allied and partner nations, with scenarios covering air defence, anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures. The Polish Navy sent the frigate ORP Kościuszko, the ships ORP Kaszub, ORP Nakło and ORP Mamry and an SH-2G helicopter, while Lithuania deployed the vessels N42 Jotvingis, M54 Kuršis and P12 Dzūkas.

Integrated training across domains

Conducted by the United States and executed under NATO command, BALTOPS 25 places a strong emphasis on multi-domain coordination. Allied forces will rehearse air defense, mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and amphibious operations—training side-by-side to hone readiness at sea, in the air, and on land.

A defining feature of this year's iteration is the integration of advanced technologies, notably unmanned surface and subsurface platforms, into operational scenarios—reflecting the evolving nature of modern naval warfare.

U.S. logistical presence in the Baltics

The U.S. Embassy in Riga confirmed the arrival of the ARC Independence in Ventspils, Latvia, delivering essential American military equipment in support of the exercise. The U.S. contribution reinforces transatlantic leadership in maintaining security architecture in the Baltic region.

Strong regional participation

Poland’s Navy is participating with a robust task group, including the ORP Kościuszko (frigate), ORP Kaszub, ORP Nakło, and ORP Mamry (patrol vessels), supported by a SH-2G helicopter. As noted by Polish Naval Command, joint exercises like BALTOPS are a prime opportunity to validate national capabilities alongside top-tier Allied forces.

Lithuania’s Naval Forces, which have contributed to BALTOPS since 1993, are represented this year by the command and support ship N42 Jotvingis, minehunter M54 Kuršis, and patrol boat P12 Dzūkas. Their participation highlights ongoing Baltic commitment to NATO’s collective security and defense posture.

The Baltic – more than a theater

BALTOPS 25 is more than a military rehearsal—it's a strategic message of unity, deterrence, and operational credibility. In a region where maritime routes, hybrid threats, and geopolitical tensions intersect, such exercises are vital in assuring Allies and deterring potential adversaries.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier