Nato has completed its Dynamic Manta 2017 (DYMA 17) submarine warfare exercise off the Sicilian coast in Italy.

DYMA 17 saw several ships, submarines, aircraft and personnel from Nato-allied nations carry out anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare training in the Central Mediterranean Sea.

A total of ten surface ships, nine maritime patrol aircraft, six submarines and three land-based helicopters from across the UK, US, Germany, Greece, Italy, Canada, Spain, Turkey, France and Norway took part in this year's exercise.

Italy served as the host nation, and was responsible for providing support from the Augusta Naval Base, Catania Harbour, and the Sigonella Air Base in Catania.

The participating submarines were under operational control of the Nato Submarine Command (COMSUBNATO), and joined surface ships under Standing Nato Maritime Group Two Task Unit Two (SNMG2 TU02), in addition to maritime patrol aircraft under Nato Maritime Air Command in a simulated multi-threat environment.

SNMG2 TU02 commander captain Ruben Rodríguez Peña (ESP N) said: “Dynamic Manta has provided the opportunity to enhance Nato anti-submarine and surface warfare skills, practising in a realistic and well-planned scenario.

"Dynamic Manta has provided the opportunity to enhance Nato anti-submarine and surface warfare skills, practising in a realistic and well-planned scenario."

“Very professional aircrews and excellent submarine playmates have undoubtedly increased allies subsurface and surface warfare skills.

“This quality exercise also demonstrated advanced ASW capabilities in the southern Nato area of responsibility.”

DYMA 17 provided participants with difficult and challenging warfare training, aimed at improving their interoperability and proficiency in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare skills.

The exercise was also supported by an in-stride debriefing team (IDT) that comprised of 11 ASW experts from nine nations, working from naval air station Sigonella in Italy.

Image: Several ships, submarines, aircraft and personnel from ten Nato nations participated in DYMA 17 exercise. Photo: courtesy of the Italian Navy.