A pair of Koninklijke Luchtmacht NH-90 NFHs ‘N-316’ & ‘N-258’ landed at LMML earlier this afternoon for a fuel stop. These two helicopters are currently based at LICC and are participating in the annual military exercise Dynamic Manta.
The Netherlands operates 19 NH90 maritime combat helicopters. Depending on the desired role, the helicopters are equipped with the necessary equipment. The NH90s can be equipped with a sonar and 1 or 2 sensor operator stations , making them optimally deployable for the maritime combat task. The 19 NH90s are normally stationed at the Maritime Air Base De Kooy and fall under the Defence Helicopter Command. In addition, there are regularly 1 or more NH90s including crew stationed on ships of the Royal Netherlands Navy for longer periods of time.
Exercise Dynamic Manta is an annual NATO-led maritime exercise focused on enhancing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare capabilities among Allied nations. Held in the Mediterranean Sea, primarily off the coast of Sicily, Italy, the exercise brings together submarines, surface ships, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and personnel from multiple NATO countries.
The primary objective of Dynamic Manta is to provide complex and challenging training scenarios that improve interoperability and proficiency in ASW and anti-surface warfare disciplines. Participating units engage in a variety of operations, with submarines taking turns hunting and being hunted, closely coordinating their efforts with air and surface participants.
Last year the exercise incorporated advanced elements, including the integration of Allied maritime Special Operations Forces (SOF). For example, a Greek SOF team conducted a landing from an Italian submarine to execute its mission, enhancing the interoperability between naval and special operations units.
The exercise underscores NATO’s commitment to maintaining high readiness and the ability to operate cohesively in complex maritime environments, ensuring that Allied naval forces are prepared to respond effectively to underwater threats.
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