NATO with 9,000 soldiers: Baltops maneuvers ceremoniously ended in Kiel!

NATO with 9,000 soldiers: Baltops maneuvers ceremoniously ended in Kiel!

Rostock-Warnemünde, Deutschland - The Great Baltic Operations (Baltops) Manöver of NATO today, on June 20, 2025, found its degree in Kiel. The exercise in Rostock-Warnemünde began about two weeks ago, where it was carried out for the first time under the coordination of the Marine Command Rostock. The port of Kiel is now expected to be approached by around 20 warships and 1,500 soldiers to adapt to the upcoming Kiel Week. A few units, including the German frigate "Bavaria" and the US tour ship "Mount Whitney", have already moored. A total of around 50 ships and over 25 aircraft were involved during the maneuver, with around 9,000 soldiers from 17 NATO and partner states. The aim of the maneuver was to train the collaboration of the alliance partners in realistic scenarios such as air defense and submarine defense. It should be emphasized that the Baltops exercise was also carried out in a tense international context, in which tensions with Russia are noticeable, such as NDR reported.

As in previous years, the maneuver was carried out for no reason. Since 2022, the Baltic Sea has shown an increased risk due to alleged sabotage files. A Russian observation ship, the "Vasiliy Tatishchev", was observed during the exercises from about three nautical miles. Frigate captain S. commented on this reconnaissance vehicle, which monitored radar frequencies and flight operations, and emphasized the importance of transparency and security for its own units. Despite the threat, the soldiers of the "Bavaria" were disciplined during the exercises and contributed to an increased willingness to alert, reports ZDF.

intensive exercises in the Kiel Fjord

In order to further strengthen the skills of the navy, special exercises also took place in the Kiel Fjord. On April 3, 2023, NATO frigates were attacked by the special forces of the Navy, the command of special forces of the Navy (KSM). Five frigates of the Standing Nato Maritime Group 1 (SNMG 1) took part, while special attacks were carried out in the tightness of Friedrichsorte. These scenarios are particularly important for the soldiers in order to be well prepared in an emergency. The exercises took place under the monitored look of the lighthouse on the Falckensteiner Strand, where numerous spectators could also observe the action.

The attacking frigates included units from several countries, including the German frigate "Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania". The realistic bogus attacks accompanied by sirens and space cartridges strengthened the team and cooperation feeling within the NATO marine. The special forces of the KSM operating under the fleet 1 are known for their efficiency and discipline in the water. Despite the success, however, the marine faces challenges: Around 20 % of the military posts in the Navy remain vacant in terms of planning and implementing such maneuvers as Welovekiel determined.

With today's end of the Baltops exercise, an important stage in the alliance's defense strategy is completed. The Federal Navy and their partners have demonstrated their cohesion and operational ability through these exercises - and the anticipation of the Kiel Week is growing increasingly.