NATO’s anti-submarine warfare exercise Playbook Merlin 25 is currently underway in the Baltic Sea, running from 10 to 14 November and involving submarines, ships and aircraft from nine Allied nations. Hosted by Sweden and led by NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), the exercise is focused on enhancing readiness, interoperability, and the ability to counter underwater threats.
The operation features submarines from Germany and Sweden, Maritime Patrol Aircraft from the United States, and surface ships and helicopters from France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. It is taking place in a region critical to European stability and highlights NATO’s operational flexibility, commitment to maritime security, and ability to defend vital infrastructure.
Exercise Merlin has started, where NATOS Standing Maritime Group 1 train Anti Submarine Warfare together with ships and helicopters from Swedish Navy.
Together we strengthen the allied ASW capability in the demanding Baltic Sea region.#WeAreNato #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/yTZIe41Ehj
— Marinen (@Swedish_Navy) November 11, 2025
“Sweden plays an integral role with maritime security in the Baltic Sea,” said Rear Adm. Bret Grabbe, Commander NATO Submarines. “Baltic nations bring an impressive amount of ASW capability to NATO as well as experienced leadership and maritime capacity. We thank the Swedish Navy for hosting exercise Merlin as well as all NATO navies that are participating and sharing regional ASW expertise.”
Rear Admiral Johan Norlén, Chief of the Swedish Navy, stated: “As the newest member of NATO, the Swedish navy is proud to once again host Playbook activity Merlin. By sharing our knowledge and experience of underwater warfare in the unique conditions of the Baltic Sea region, we increase the security and stability, make NATO stronger and address the security challenges of today.”
“It also demonstrates that Sweden is a NATO member that can be trusted and expected to take a big responsibility within the alliance, now and in the future,” Norlén added. The exercise builds on the success of previous years and is part of NATO’s values-based approach to security, grounded in cooperation, transparency, and collective defence.
Playbook Merlin is one of nearly a dozen major maritime exercises conducted annually by NATO’s Allied Maritime Command, alongside Dynamic Mongoose in the North Atlantic and Dynamic Manta in the Mediterranean. Together, these operations ensure NATO remains ready, united, and capable—both above and below the waves.
The operation features submarines from Germany and Sweden, Maritime Patrol Aircraft from the United States, and surface ships and helicopters from France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. It is taking place in a region critical to European stability and highlights NATO’s operational flexibility, commitment to maritime security, and ability to defend vital infrastructure.
“Sweden plays an integral role with maritime security in the Baltic Sea,” said Rear Adm. Bret Grabbe, Commander NATO Submarines. “Baltic nations bring an impressive amount of ASW capability to NATO as well as experienced leadership and maritime capacity. We thank the Swedish Navy for hosting exercise Merlin as well as all NATO navies that are participating and sharing regional ASW expertise.”
Rear Admiral Johan Norlén, Chief of the Swedish Navy, stated: “As the newest member of NATO, the Swedish navy is proud to once again host Playbook activity Merlin. By sharing our knowledge and experience of underwater warfare in the unique conditions of the Baltic Sea region, we increase the security and stability, make NATO stronger and address the security challenges of today.”
“It also demonstrates that Sweden is a NATO member that can be trusted and expected to take a big responsibility within the alliance, now and in the future,” Norlén added. The exercise builds on the success of previous years and is part of NATO’s values-based approach to security, grounded in cooperation, transparency, and collective defence.
Playbook Merlin is one of nearly a dozen major maritime exercises conducted annually by NATO’s Allied Maritime Command, alongside Dynamic Mongoose in the North Atlantic and Dynamic Manta in the Mediterranean. Together, these operations ensure NATO remains ready, united, and capable—both above and below the waves.