Conclusion of Exercise DYNAMIC MARINER/FLOTEX-25

The Armada and NATO have successfully wrapped up Exercise DYNAMIC MARINER/FLOTEX-25, the most important maritime exercise of recent years, which has involved allied and national units in the Gulf of Cadiz and the southern coast of Andalusia.

The DYNAMIC MARINER/FLOTEX-25 exercise, co-organized by the Armada (Spanish Navy) and the Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), has been successfully completed after two weeks of intense maneuvers. The exercise, which took place between 24 March and 4 April, has been the most important maritime exercise of recent years, both at national and allied level, with the participation of approximately 5,000 military personnel, 30 ships, 2 submarines, Amphibious units and air assets from 8 allied countries: Germany, Spain, USA, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Turkey.

In addition, this exercise has had a special relevance as it has served to certify the Spanish Maritime Forces Headquarters (SPMARFOR) as Maritime Component Command (MCC) of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF) for the period 2025/2026, a key step in the process of preparing for immediate response to any crisis threatening the security of the Alliance. SPMARFOR, under the structure of the High Availability Maritime Headquarters, is one of six maritime headquarters that NATO maintains available to command Alliance naval forces.

The exercise has replicated a high-intensity fictional scenario, inspired by the Gulf of Guinea, which has allowed participating forces to simulate crisis situations requiring the deployment of naval forces outside their territorial waters.

For two weeks, participants had the opportunity to exercise naval power projection, command and control, amphibious operations, anti-submarine warfare and cyber defense, among others scenarios. The exercise has integrated advanced technologies and unmanned systems (UXV) from both NATO and the indigenous defense industry.

Operations have also included e-warfare and cyber-defense missions, strengthening the Alliance’s capability to protect critical infrastructure and respond to cyber threats.

In addition, it has been a particularly important exercise for the Armada, as it has included the submarine ‘Isaac Peral’ (S-81) in its first participation in a multinational exercise, marking a milestone in the modernization of the Spanish Submarine Force. Units of the Army, the Air Force, the Joint Cyberspace Command and the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA) have also participated, which has contributed to improve interoperability between the various branches of the Spanish Armed Forces and allied countries.

The exercise has demonstrated the cohesion and commitment of the allies to deterrence and defense, underlining the crucial role of Spain within NATO as a reliable partner and one of the few allied countries that provide a qualified Maritime Headquarters to lead the Alliance’s naval forces.

Once the implementation phase is completed, a critical analysis of actions and decisions taken during the year will be carried out. This analysis aims at drawing lessons learned that will serve to improve the effectiveness and agility of the Allied Reaction Force, ensuring that NATO is always ready to respond quickly and effectively to any challenge.

Spain shows a firm commitment to have a modern Navy, prepared for the challenges of the future, guaranteeing safety at sea.