Surface ships and helicopter of the Spanish Navy
A helicopter from the Spanish Navy, together with surface ships and 550 soldiers from several NATO countries, are carrying out maneuvers in the waters near the Balearic Islands. These maneuvers are part of the multinational exercise ‘ESP Minex-24’, which takes place annually.
Participation of several NATO countries
In this exercise, there is the participation of militaries from France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Belgium, the USA and Spain. This multinational collaboration aims to train in maritime mine warfare.
Led by the Spanish Navy
The maneuvers are led by the Spanish Navy, with the participation of the permanent grouping of NATO’s Countermine Measures in the Mediterranean and the European Maritime Force. The exercise is carried out near Cap Blanc, near the Balearic Islands.
Sophisticated media and specialized capabilities
The multinational naval force has sophisticated underwater detection systems and minesweepers equipped with state-of-the-art underwater autonomous robots. These specialized means and capabilities are essential to maritime mine warfare.
Development of the exercise
The ‘ESP Minex-24’ exercise began on April 29 and will run until May 9. During this period, various activities and maneuvers will be carried out to train in maritime mine warfare. After the first week of exercises, the group is scheduled to go to the Portopí Naval Station from May 3 to 6, and finally on May 9 a first analysis of the results will be carried out.
