Türkiye takes lead role in NATO Dynamic Mariner/Flotex 25 exercise
Turkish Navy vessels sail at the NATO's largest annual maritime drill, Exercise Dynamic Mariner / Flotex 25, continues in the Gulf of Cadiz off southern Spain on March 28, 2025. (AA Photo)
Türkiye has taken a leading role in NATO’s largest maritime exercise of the year, Dynamic Mariner/Flotex 25, currently underway in the Gulf of Cadiz off southwestern Spain.
The multinational exercise began on March 24 and will run through April 4, bringing together nearly 4,000 military personnel from eight countries.
Ankara’s participation stands out both in scale and leadership. With 1,300 personnel and four naval vessels, including amphibious units stationed at the Amphibious Task Force Headquarters and the Retin Training Area, which is located in the province of Cadiz, Türkiye represents one of the largest national contingents in the exercise.
Türkiye commands NATO Amphibious Task Force for the first time
Among the key milestones, Türkiye will assume command of the NATO Amphibious Task Force for the first time.
Speaking at a press briefing, Turkish Amphibious Task Force Commander Rear Admiral Nihat Baran said, “Türkiye’s assumption of command of the NATO Amphibious Task Force for the first time is a concrete demonstration of our country’s commitment to and contributions within the NATO alliance.”
“Türkiye will become the seventh country in NATO to meet the requirements for the headquarters and platform of such a force,” he added.
Baran stated that this leadership role highlights Ankara’s commitment to the alliance and its capability to meet NATO’s operational infrastructure standards.
Turkish flagship leads multinational naval forces
The Turkish landing ship TCG Sancaktar serves as the flagship and command platform for Dynamic Mariner/Flotex 25.
Additionally, NATO’s Standing Naval Maritime Group 2 (SNMG-2) is under Turkish command, led from the frigate TCG Kemalreis by a Turkish admiral.
Domestic defense industry solutions showcased
During the exercise’s Media Day, Türkiye also presented various domestically produced military systems, including armored vehicles, artillery, and rifles.
This display highlighted the role of local defense capabilities in supporting NATO missions.
Testing naval integration of new technologies
Dynamic Mariner/Flotex 25 includes scenarios simulating mid- to high-intensity maritime conflict, with a specific focus on projecting naval power and asserting sea control.
Unmanned systems and other new technologies are being integrated and tested as part of the operational framework.
Rear Admiral Baran also announced that Türkiye will receive a certification under NATO’s Maritime Evaluation (MAREVAL) and Combat Readiness Evaluation (CREVAL) standards for its Amphibious Task Force Headquarters and Marine Infantry Battalion through this exercise. “The support Türkiye provides is a significant contribution to NATO’s deterrence and collective defense posture.”
“With Dynamic Mariner/Flotex 25, Türkiye’s Amphibious Task Force Headquarters and Marine Infantry Battalion will be certified according to NATO’s Maritime Evaluation (MAREVAL) and Combat Readiness Evaluation (CREVAL) standards,” he concluded.
