The “Dynamic Manta 2026 (DYMA 26)” exercise, organized by NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) and hosted by the Italian Navy, officially commenced off the coast of Sicily. As one of NATO’s scheduled annual exercises, Dynamic Manta focuses on enhancing allied cooperation and advancing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities in the strategically vital Mediterranean region.

The exercise began as allied vessels and submarines departed from the port of Catania in Sicily. Participating nations include Türkiye, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and the United States.

On the first day, key assets included Türkiye’s TCG 1. İnönü submarine, Italy’s “Venuti,” and Greece’s “Katsonis” submarines. Surface combatants such as Italy’s Schergat frigate, the replenishment vessel “Vulcano,” Spain’s Navarra frigate, and NATO Standing Maritime Group 2 (SNMG-2) units—Italy’s “Virginio Fasan” and Greece’s “Limnos”—also took part. Italian Navy AW101 helicopters provided airborne ASW support.

Türkiye Participates with Submarine and P-72 Aircraft

Türkiye is contributing a “Gür”-class submarine, TCG 1. İnönü, along with a P-72 maritime patrol aircraft. By deploying both underwater and aerial ASW platforms, Türkiye plays a significant operational role in the exercise under NATO Operational Control (OPCON), demonstrating its full integration within NATO’s maritime command structure.

Initial drills included maneuvering exercises (PASSEX), helicopter approach operations, and submarine diving and surfacing procedures. In the coming days, participants will execute more complex and high-tempo warfighting scenarios designed to simulate real-world maritime threats.

“Training as We Fight”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bret Grabbe, Commander of NATO Submarines, described Dynamic Manta as NATO’s premier anti-submarine warfare exercise in the Mediterranean. He emphasized that forces will operate in three integrated domains—subsurface, surface, and air—throughout the exercise.

According to Grabbe, submarines will alternate between hunter and hunted roles, while ASW-capable surface ships and maritime patrol aircraft will detect, track, and simulate engagement of underwater threats. Both conventional submarine threats and emerging underwater capabilities will be incorporated into the training scenarios.

Dynamic Manta 2026 plays a critical role in strengthening NATO’s collective deterrence posture, improving interoperability among allied forces, and ensuring readiness against evolving undersea threats in the Mediterranean theater.