NATO kicked off the 2023 iteration of its annual BALTOPS exercise in Estonia, yesterday, with 20 countries, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and approximately 6,000 personnel involved. According to investigative reporter Seymour Hersh, last year’s BALTOPS provided cover for the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines from Russia to Germany. It’s noteworthy that the extensive U.S. European Command’s Defender 23 exercises are going on at the same time.
“This premier maritime-focused annual exercise in the Baltic Region takes place June 4-16 and provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen the combined response capability critical to preserving the freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea,” reported a press release issued by the US 6th Fleet. Participating nations include Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
“These countries will exercise a myriad of capabilities, demonstrating the inherent flexibility of maritime forces,” the press release further reports. “Exercise scenarios include amphibious, gunnery, anti-submarine, air defense, and mine clearance operations, as well as explosive ordnance disposal, unmanned underwater and surface vehicle exercises, and medical responses.”
The exercise will be under the command of Strike Force NATO, and its deputy commander, Rear Adm. James Morley, headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal. A May 30 press release noted that Finland will be participating for the first time as a full member of NATO.