The NATO Mare Aperto exercises saw a total of 41 naval units take part this year – Photo: US Navy Press Office

NATO concludes the Mare Aperto military exercises off the coast of Italy today.

The first edition of NATO’s open sea exercise conducted by the Italian Navy took place in the waters between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas where a total of 41 naval units, comprising ships and submarines, as well as aircraft and helicopters from 12 NATO and 11 Partner countries took part in the military manoeuvres. Participating countries also conducted exercises focused on countering conventional and asymmetric threats, as well as combating and preventing illicit trade.

NATO’s military presence in the Mediterranean sea is an important element of the Alliance’s deterrence and defense posture. Conflicts in Iraq and Syria together with the collapse of Libya are among the factors that have prompted NATO to increase its engagement in the Middle East and North Africa. Safeguarding freedom of navigation and reducing Russia’s military and economic presence across the Mediterranean coastline are also prompting the Alliance to bolster its presence.

Faced with the security and geostrategic challenges of its southern flank, the Alliance’s Mediterranean members are expected to continue to intensify their military maneuvers off the region’s strategic points. Improving the interoperability of participating forces will likely remain a key objective for NATO in the near future.