Naval forces from 10 countries have come together in the Mediterranean Sea for the exercise Dynamic Manta to strengthen teamwork and tactics in anti-submarine warfare amid an increase in Russian undersea activity.
An array of scenarios during the 10-day NATO drill are designed to test and train crews on how to combat submarines from the air, sea surface and underwater. The technical and tactical skills must be sharpened regularly to keep up with Russia and China, naval leaders have said.
Last fall, Adm. James Foggo, head of the Navy’s Europe and Africa command, warned that Russia had been building up its sub fleet and had deployed several Kilo-class diesel submarines to the Mediterranean and Black seas.
Participating in this year’s exercise alongside the U.S. are Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Turkey and Britain.
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