According to JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office, NATO’s NEPTUNE STRIKE (NEST) 24-2, part of its enhanced Vigilance Activities running from October 24-31, underscores NATO’s joint high-end maritime strike capabilities by integrating various aircraft carriers and strike groups under NATO command to strengthen deterrence and defense.
Key objectives for NEST 24-2 include securing maritime chokepoints, ensuring freedom of navigation, reinforcing NATO’s multi-domain operational interoperability (air-land integration), and enhancing overall readiness for multi-theater operations. Exercises span from the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas to the North and Baltic Seas, with air operations extending across Central Europe and the Baltic Sea region, marking Sweden’s participation as NATO’s newest member. Activities include amphibious landings, counter-mine operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and counter-drone defenses.
NEST 24-2, led by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), is a long-planned, defensive exercise compliant with international laws, unrelated to current Middle Eastern events. Highlighted participants include the USS Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group, the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales, the USS Mount Whitney command ship in the Mediterranean, and Turkey’s TCG Anadolu, and her embarked Marine Battalion, as well as her escorts. The Italian Navy provides the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and her escorts for parts of the activity
The Neptune Strike series, launched in 2020 under Project Neptune, sets a framework for swiftly mobilizing multinational strike groups for extended-range defense operations. This phase involves approximately 20 surface vessels and submarines, Special Forces, and 15,000 personnel.
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