NATO Conducts Largest Maritime Drone Exercises with 17 Nations, Ukraine Roles

NATO's 2025 maritime exercises, including REPMUS and Bold Machina, showcased significant advancements in unmanned naval systems, emphasizing mine countermeasures, submarine hunting, and underwater infrastructure protection. Ukraine actively participated as an opposing force and shared expertise with NATO allies, fielding upgraded naval drones such as the Magura V7.2, while European navies tested sophisticated autonomous underwater vehicles like Germany's Greyshark, equipped with advanced sensors and capable of operating over long distances. Exercises also focused on safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure against Russian sabotage threats, with NATO countries employing innovative technologies, including rapid 3D printing of drones by the Dutch military. Command and control complexity increased as multiple robotic systems were coordinated simultaneously, reflecting evolving operational demands. These collective efforts underline NATO's commitment to maintaining technological superiority and readiness amid ongoing security challenges in the Baltic and Atlantic regions.