From May 3 to 31, 2025, Formidable Shield 2025 has emerged as NATO’s largest live-fire exercise in Europe. Led by the U.S. Sixth Fleet and executed by NATO’s naval arm STRIKFORNATO, the operation brings together 11 allied nations Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia along with 16 warships, 27 aircraft, 8 ground units, and nearly 6,900 personnel.
A groundbreaking response to supersonic threats
A highlight of the exercise was the successful interception of a supersonic missile by the British destroyer HMS Dragon. The Type 45 vessel employed a modified Sea Viper missile to take down a target flying at over Mach 4 and executing evasive maneuvers. This marks a first for the Royal Navy, showcasing the ability of the Sea Viper system which combines the Sampson radar with the Aster missile to neutralize advanced airborne threats.
Commander Iain Giffin emphasized the significance of the milestone, stating it demonstrates not only the HMS Dragon’s self-defense capabilities but also its seamless integration within NATO’s allied defense network.
Exemplary multinational coordination
The exercise features an integrated NATO command and control architecture, ensuring fluid coordination between naval, air, and land forces. The Dutch vessel HNLMS De Ruyter serves as the command platform, overseeing engagements and scenario management.
Air defense systems such as NASAMS and NOMADS, developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, are also tested in live-fire scenarios from Norway, proving their efficiency in countering a variety of aerial threats.
Belgian frigate Louise-Marie at full operational readiness
The Belgian frigate Louise-Marie confirms its full combat readiness during the exercise, having resolved a technical issue that occurred in 2024. Now part of NATO’s Standing Maritime Group, the vessel participates in critical infrastructure defense missions in the Baltic Sea and drills near the Russian border underscoring Belgium’s commitment to regional security.
A response to today’s geopolitical challenges
Formidable Shield 2025 takes place in a context of heightened tensions, especially in the Black Sea region. Simultaneously, Romania is leading the Sea Shield 25 exercise involving 2,300 personnel from 12 countries. These drills aim to boost interoperability and readiness against hybrid threats and coordinated attacks.
Formidable Shield 2025 underscores NATO’s adaptability to modern threats by reinforcing cooperation among member states and rigorously testing advanced defense systems in realistic scenarios. The exercise strengthens the Alliance’s defensive posture and reaffirms its commitment to collective security across Europe.
