A look at the Defence news 17 - 23 November
In the week of 10 to 14 November, the M-frigate HNLMS Van Amstel of the Royal Netherlands Navy took part in an anti-submarine warfare exercise in the Baltic Sea, together with units from the Swedish, German and French navies, among others.
Sweden had invited its NATO allies to undergo training in anti-submarine warfare in Exercise Playbook Merlin 2025. NATO is not the only party interested in the Baltic Sea; it is also used intensively by Russia and the same applies to the North Sea. Training together in the Baltic Sea therefore benefits all participating nations, while also strengthening the readiness of the alliance.
Eight countries strengthen European military mobility
Last week, eight European countries took an important step in strengthening military readiness and cooperation in Europe. The signing of a Letter of Intent marked the official establishment of the Central Northern European Military Mobility Area. This new partnership between Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovakia intends to make the transport of military personnel and materiel across international borders easier, faster and more efficient.