The Ukrainian Navy becomes the driving force of NATO exercises, practicing modern maritime tactics

The Ukrainian Navy becomes the driving force of NATO exercises, practicing modern maritime tactics

The Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, for the first time in the history of NATO, led and coordinated the actions of opposing force (OPFOR) units during the REPMUS/Dynamic Messenger 2025 exercises in Portugal.

This was reported by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

As indicated on the NATO website, modern maritime warfare technologies were practiced during the exercises. In particular, participants were trained in protecting underwater infrastructure, conducting reconnaissance, countering mines, underwater threats, and unmanned systems, as well as coordinating the actions of different forces simultaneously.

With support from the NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), the Portuguese Navy, and the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Centre (JATEC), Ukrainians were to test the interoperability of capabilities and tactics of twenty NATO member states, including the ability to use unmanned systems for coordinated strikes and rapid response to threats.

“By leading the opposing force, Ukraine became not only a participant but also a driving force of innovations that directly strengthen NATO’s maritime resilience and shape the future of collective security. JATEC is proud to facilitate this important progress forward,” said Brigadier General Wojciech Ozga.

During the exercises, unmanned platforms were integrated into the DELTA combat system of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to NATO standard STANAG 4817, which allowed for testing their interoperability and effectiveness in various conditions, particularly in countering electronic threats.

Additionally, JATEC Director Colonel Valeriy Vyshnivskyi emphasized that Ukraine’s participation in the exercises demonstrates modern trends in naval warfare and promotes the implementation of innovative tactics within NATO.