NATO Exercises "Tri-Service" Unmanned Systems in Naval Warfare

Reference News Network reported on September 23 According to the Russian newspaper "Izvestia" website on September 21, NATO has deployed a large naval group in the North Sea and the Atlantic, including a British aircraft carrier strike group. Under the framework of the "Strike Warrior" exercise, NATO countries intend to systematically practice the coordinated use of "tri-service" unmanned systems—surface unmanned boats, underwater drones, and aerial drones—for the first time.

On September 21, the "Strike Warrior" naval and air exercise, led by the UK and involving NATO allied forces, will commence in Northwestern Europe. The exercise area will cover the northern and eastern waters of the UK.

Experts interviewed by "Izvestia" believe that the exercise may involve the British carrier strike group, NATO's Standing Naval Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1), and multinational air force units.

The report states that London claims the purpose of this exercise is to protect undersea cables and infrastructure. However, behind NATO's declared communication defense, offensive scenarios can be glimpsed. According to expert analysis, NATO is practicing intercepting submarines of the Russian Northern Fleet in the waters between Iceland and the Faroe Islands, blocking the passage from the Baltic Sea to the Atlantic.

Military expert Dmitry Bolgankov stated that the North Sea is of significant importance to Russian shipping, as the route from the Baltic Sea to the Atlantic passes through here. Therefore, NATO's large-scale exercises in the region concern not only Russian civilian shipping but also touch upon the interests of the Russian Navy fleet.

Bolgankov said that due to increased NATO activities in the Northeast Atlantic, Russian warships regularly go to sea to monitor the situation and escort vessels. The Russian Navy will closely monitor NATO forces' actions.

Russian Navy reserve rear admiral Mikhail Chekmasov believes that NATO's exercise plan may include air defense organization for naval formations, artillery fire, anti-submarine defense, and carrier aviation operations.

He said: "Importantly, the exercise will test unmanned system technology in practice. Primarily surface unmanned systems, but underwater and aerial unmanned equipment may also be used. It is already hard to imagine modern naval warfare without this 'tri-service' system. Anti-submarine warfare in the waters between Iceland and the Faroe Islands will receive special attention, as this region is significant from the perspective of controlling submarines operating in the North Atlantic, which involves Russian submarines."

Alexander Blazhnik, former first deputy commander of the Baltic Fleet, believes that since NATO's establishment, its key mission has always been to prepare for confrontation—previously with the Soviet Union, now with Russia. All of NATO's tactics and exercise plans have historically been based on assessments of Russian military capabilities, weapons, and equipment.

The report states that the main purpose of such NATO exercises is to practice specific naval combat methods: anti-submarine warfare, coordination with air forces, and countering enemy strikes. The Russian Navy, Aerospace Forces, and satellites will undoubtedly track the actions of potential adversaries and study the forces and tactics employed by NATO. (Translated by Wei Lianglei)