March 24, 2025 – NATO, in coordination with the Spanish Navy, launched Dynamic Mariner/Flotex-25 on Monday in the Gulf of Cádiz, marking the most significant naval exercise in recent years, both nationally and within the alliance.
The exercise, taking place along the southern coast of Andalucía from March 24 to April 4, involves approximately 4,000 military personnel, 30 vessels, two submarines, amphibious units, and air assets from nine NATO countries: Germany, Croatia, Spain, the United States, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Turkey. Part of the contingent departed from the naval base at Rota, Cádiz.
Dynamic Mariner/Flotex-25 is designed to test the integration of emerging naval technologies, including unmanned systems. According to Spain’s Ministry of Defence, the exercise embodies the Navy’s core mission: “to remain prepared to contribute from and at sea to the defence of Spain, safeguarding its legitimate interests, security, welfare, and territorial integrity.”
The operation aims to demonstrate the Spanish Navy’s capacity to command and control naval forces far from national waters in medium-to-high intensity scenarios, projecting naval power and ensuring sea control.
This year’s exercise will also certify the Spanish Maritime Forces Headquarters (SPMARFOR) as NATO’s Maritime Component Command (MCC) for the Alliance Response Forces (ARF) from July 2025 until July 2026. SPMARFOR will act as NATO’s high-readiness maritime command, capable of rapidly responding to any security crisis affecting the alliance.
Participants will practise their capabilities in power projection, command and control, amphibious operations, anti-submarine warfare, and cyber defence. Advanced technologies, including unmanned systems (UXVs) from NATO and participating nations, will be integrated throughout.
Units from the Spanish Army, Air and Space Force, Joint Cyberspace Command, and the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA) are also participating.
This exercise represents a significant challenge for the Spanish Navy, testing its operational effectiveness in demanding multinational environments and under high-intensity conditions. Notably, it will feature the first international deployment of Spain’s newly commissioned submarine, the S-81 Isaac Peral, built by Navantia and known for its advanced combat capabilities.
NATO concerns have increased amid fears that Russia might gain leverage in peace negotiations with Ukraine, potentially heightening the risk of future aggression towards Europe. Therefore, for the alliance, these exercises reflect an essential step in addressing rising security challenges.