Throughout June, NATO’s standing naval forces are testing uncrewed surface vessels in the Baltic Sea to advance their integration into allied maritime operations. The demonstrations, a precursor to NATO’s Dynamic Messenger exercise scheduled for this autumn in Portugal, are part of the Task Force X innovation initiative led by Allied Command Transformation (ACT), Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), and the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), in collaboration with allied nations.
The trials, conducted across various Baltic Sea locations, aim to assess the operational effectiveness of uncrewed systems in critical maritime environments. “We are focused on integrating these systems into a networked operational framework,” said Royal Navy Vice Admiral Mike Utley, MARCOM Commander. “These exercises enhance NATO’s innovation efforts and national initiatives, aiming to deploy uncrewed systems to our naval forces swiftly and effectively.”
The initiative supports NATO’s broader partnership between ACT and MARCOM to incorporate autonomous systems and artificial intelligence, strengthening situational awareness and protection of critical undersea infrastructure, such as sea lines of communication. Task Force X emphasizes rapid innovation to deliver viable uncrewed vessels, building on models like the U.S. Navy’s Task Force 66, which uses maritime uncrewed systems for persistent surveillance, threat detection, and tracking.
French Navy Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, highlighted Task Force X’s role in safeguarding Baltic undersea infrastructure following recent cable disruptions. “This initiative combines cost-effective solutions with advanced AI-driven platforms, enabling persistent surveillance while preserving high-value naval assets,” he stated. The trials integrate commercially available dual-use technologies with NATO’s operational framework, demonstrating resolve and scalability.
The CMRE is deploying the NATO Research Vessel Alliance, a specialized scientific-research vessel, to support the demonstrations. ACT continues to lead NATO’s strategic development of military capabilities, while MARCOM, headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom, serves as the central command for NATO’s maritime forces.
