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The major NATO exercise Baltops will soon end: Kiel in the focus of the world navy!
The NATO exercise Baltic Operations ends on June 20, 2025 in Kiel. Around 50 ships and 9,000 soldiers from 17 countries were involved.
The major NATO exercise Baltops will soon end: Kiel in the focus of the world navy!
In Kiel, where the Baltic Sea meets NATO's maritime strength, the large-scale Baltic Operations exercise, or Baltops for short, ends this Friday. This year the organizers came up with an impressive number: almost 20 ships and around 1,500 soldiers set out to sea first thing in the morning. A highlight of the exercise is the German frigate “Bayern”, which has already moored at the Kiel naval base together with the US lead ship “Mount Whitney”. While the foreign ships will leave the port city at the end of the weekend, the German units will remain active on site.
Over the past two weeks, over 50 ships, more than 25 aircraft and around 9,000 soldiers from 17 nations took part in this major maritime event. The start took place in Rostock, where the troops prepared for their mission. Baltic Operations, which has taken place annually since 1971 and is led by the USA, is more than just military training; it is also a sign of unity and resolve amid geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia.
A geopolitical chess game
The Baltops maneuver is not only carried out as a routine exercise, but is also part of the tense situation with Russia. A Russian ship, the “Vasiliy Tatishchev,” observes NATO activities from a distance of around three nautical miles. Frigate captain S. describes the Russian ship as a reconnaissance vehicle that could monitor radar frequencies and flight operations. In view of the increasing cases of suspected sabotage in the Baltic Sea, NATO forces are prepared.
The crew of the “Bayern”, which is specially equipped for submarine hunting and numbers over 230 people, has issued an increased warning level. Cell phones are strictly prohibited on deck to avoid possible tracking by third parties. Another important aspect of the exercises was the handling of drones, against which the frigate successfully conducted firing exercises; Target drones were launched from the coast.
Showing presence is a key factor
Commander Klöfkorn-Dorscht also emphasizes the need to demonstrate military presence and contribute to deterrence. These exercises test the operational capability and cooperation among NATO partners. Still, there are challenges; The Navy is struggling with personnel shortages, with 20% of approximately 15,000 military positions vacant last year. These gaps are not only a logistical problem, but also shed light on the challenges facing the German Navy.
In summary, the Baltops maneuver not only offers an opportunity for training, but also a platform to remain solidarity and able to act. This makes it clear: in times of uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, such exercises are essential to guarantee the defense readiness of NATO states.
For more information about the maneuver and the units involved you can visit Welt, Spiegel and Visit [ZDF](https://www.zdfheute.de/politik/deutschland/ostsee-nato-manoever-baltops-fregatte-bayern- defense-100.html).