Noble Manta 06, as it slips underneath the radar, is the largest “anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise” in the world, I’m presuming, ever. This time around the crews have “traditional submarine roles and missions will be exercised in support of defence against terrorism.” What does this tell us about the near future of warfare?

[Posted By Szamko]

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By Unattributed
Republished from NATO

Vessels from 8 nations involved with specific

Naples, Ten NATO nations will provide eight submarines, fifteen maritime patrol aircraft/land-based anti-submarine helicopters and eight surface ships to take part in NOBLE MANTA 06, the world’s largest anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise from 17 February to 01 March 2006.

The exercise will take place in the Ionian Sea to the Southeast of Sicily. Forces are provided by Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Eight submarines are scheduled to join the exercise; one each from France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain and United State of America, and two from Turkey. Each submarine will have the opportunity of being a hunter as well as the prey. Surface ships from NATO’s standing naval force will take part, as well as a French Frigate and an Italian Patrol Boat.

The exercise will demonstrate NATO’s determination to maintain proficiency in coordinated anti-submarine, anti-surface, and coastal surveillance operations using a multi-national force of ships, submarines and aircraft. Additionally this year traditional submarine roles and missions will be exercised in support of defence against terrorism.

Maritime Patrol Aircraft from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States of America will operate from Sigonella, Sicily. Italian shore-based ASW helicopters from Fontanarossa, Sicily will also participate. Over 80 air missions are planned, and on average this will result in a crew briefing every four hours, day and night, throughout the exercise.

The exercise will be controlled from the co-located multi-national Headquarters of the Commander Submarines Allied Naval Forces and the Commander Maritime Air Naples, Italy.

Noble Manta 06 is conducted under the supervision of the scheduling Headquarters, Allied Maritime Component Command Naples.