NEPTUNE STRIKE 25-1, the first iteration of this peacetime vigilance activity for 2025, will take place in April and will see contributions and participation from Bulgaria, Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Northern Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The primary focus of NEPTUNE STRIKE activities will be conducted across the Mediterranean region and executed by Alliance maritime assets comprised of multiple aircraft carrier and amphibious strike groups. Accompanying the long-range strike activities across NATO’s Southern and South-Eastern flank, will be the execution of anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Led by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), this effort sees multiple national assets integrating high-end strike capabilities to enhance their readiness to defend every inch of the Alliance’s territory throughout various warfighting domains. It is NATO’s most complex enhanced vigilance activity, showcasing the Alliance’s peacetime commitment.

The main objectives for NEPTUNE STRIKE are to exercise NATO’s ability to maintain the freedom of navigation and maneuver, to secure strategic maritime chokepoints, to protect underwater infrastructure, and to conduct deterrence and vigilance activities. Furthermore, it significantly increases the interoperability and cohesion among Allies and partner nations through sea, air and land integration missions.

Neptune Strike is a long-planned activity conducted in compliance with international laws and standards.