NATO launches BALTOPS 2026 naval drills in Baltic Sea

The maritime phase of NATO’s annual BALTOPS 2026 exercises has begun in the Baltic Sea, with allied warships departing from the Polish port of Gdynia to begin two weeks of coordinated training operations.

The Polish Navy said the exercise had officially entered its maritime phase, noting that NATO vessels had left the Naval Port of Gdynia to begin joint manoeuvres aimed at strengthening regional maritime security, Caliber.Az reports. 

#BALTOPS2026 ⚓
Równolegle z jednostkami sojuszniczymi, Port Wojenny @MiastoGdynia opuściły okręty 3 Flotylli Okrętów oraz 8 Flotylli Obrony Wybrzeża, które będą działać w różnych międzynarodowych grupach zadaniowych:⚓🇵🇱
✅ fregata rakietowa ORP Gen. T. Kościuszko
✅ korweta… pic.twitter.com/uMqYmbcnPa

— Marynarka Wojenna RP/ Polish Navy (@MarWojRP) June 4, 2026

According to the Polish Ministry of Defence, the participating crews will operate as a unified force over the coming weeks to enhance the protection of NATO maritime borders and improve interoperability among allied navies.

The exercise involves approximately 6,000 military personnel from 15 NATO member and partner countries, along with around 20 warships. The large-scale drills form part of the alliance’s annual Baltic operations designed to test readiness and coordination in the region.

Officials said the training package includes anti-submarine warfare, air defence drills, amphibious landings, mine countermeasures, and the deployment of unmanned systems, reflecting the increasing emphasis on multi-domain maritime operations.

By Sabina Mammadli