Led by U.S. 6th Fleet, with Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) executing live-fire and Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) events, ASD/FS25 is a joint exercise conducted in a live-fire IAMD environment using NATO command and control reporting structures. The exercise, which took place from May 3 to 23 in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, Norway and the United Kingdom, improved Allied combined warfighting capabilities, combat credibility, and interoperability.
Together, we have once again proven our ability to protect NATO citizens and territory and our combat forces at sea, and that our Alliance remains ready to face the challenges of today and tomorrow
"At-Sea Demonstration / Formidable Shield 2025 allowed participants to improve their warfighting readiness and strengthen relationships with Allies in the region,” said Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet and STRIKFORNATO. “Together, we have once again proven our ability to protect NATO citizens and territory and our combat forces at sea, and that our Alliance remains ready to face the challenges of today and tomorrow."
ATLANTIC OCEAN – (May 17, 2025) Capt. Michael Dwan, commodore, Combined Task Force (CTF) 64, center, delivers remarks to the crew of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), at an all-hands call during exercise At-Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 2025.
Eleven nations participated in a series of live-fire events against subsonic, supersonic, and ballistic targets. These events incorporated multiple Allied ships, ground and aviation forces, working across battlespaces to deliver effects and accomplish exercise objectives. Throughout ASD/FS25, participating nations shared common tactical pictures and situational awareness, conducted NATO-level mission planning and engagement coordination, and exercised force-level pre-planned responses in various scenarios and situations.
"During At-Sea Demonstration / Formidable Shield, our combined force successfully conducted over 45 separate missile and gun engagements on both air breathing and ballistic missile targets closely resembling the subsonic and supersonic sea-skimming real-world threats that each of the countries participating could face,” said Capt. Michael Dwan, commander of Task Group 154.64 and STRIKFORNATO’s U.S. Maritime Ballistic Missile Defense Assets Advisor. “Each nation has a right to defend its sovereignty and deter against aggression, which is why operating and conducting a form of mission rehearsal and live fire exercises together as a combined force of Allies and partners is so important to our combat credibility."