NATO conducts mine warfare exercises in Balearic waters

This is the advanced multinational exercise ESP Minex-25, which involves surface vessels, a Navy helicopter, and around 500 soldiers from allied countries.

More than 500 personnel from various NATO countries began mine warfare simulation exercises on Monday, May 5, in waters near the Balearic Islands. The drills will continue until May 16. The exercise, titled ESP Minex-25, features surface ships, a Navy helicopter, and troops from allied nations such as Belgium, the United States, Portugal, and Turkey, among others.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defense explained that this is an advanced multinational exercise organized and led annually by the Spanish Navy. The multinational naval force includes the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG-2) in the Mediterranean and the European Maritime Force (EUROMARFOR). The Commander of the Navy’s Mine Countermeasures Force (COMTEMECOM), along with his Deployable Staff, embarked aboard the Maritime Action Ship Furor, will serve as the authority in charge of planning and executing the advanced multinational mine warfare exercise.

On May 3, all participating vessels arrived at the Military Arsenal of Cartagena to properly prepare for the exercise. They departed on Monday, May 5, toward the waters of the Balearic archipelago. The Naval Force is equipped with advanced underwater detection systems and divers specialized in mine warfare. The operation also includes state-of-the-art unmanned underwater vehicles to enhance the capabilities of the minehunters. The task group is scheduled to dock not only at the Military Arsenal of Cartagena but also at the Naval Station in Maó from May 9 to 11 and at the Porto Pí Naval Station from May 16 to 17.

During the weekend stay at the Maó Naval Station, the Spanish ships will host open-ship events for the public. Visiting hours will be: Friday, May 9 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM; Saturday, May 10 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 to 7:00 PM; and Sunday, May 11 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. On the afternoon of Friday, May 16, during the stop at Porto Pí Naval Station—and in accordance with Navy tradition—a solemn flag-lowering ceremony will take place aboard the flagship, attended by local authorities.