International Mine Countermeasure Exercise “Open Spirit 2026” to Take Place in the Baltic Sea

From 1 to 13 May, the international mine countermeasure exercise and operation “Open Spirit 2026” will take place in the Baltic Sea. 

The aim of the exercise is to clear shipping lanes and fishing areas of explosive remnants located on the seabed of the Baltic Sea, thereby reducing risks to maritime navigation safety. At the same time, the exercise strengthens international cooperation and enhances the interoperability, tactics, and procedures of mine countermeasure vessels, divers, and headquarters units. 

This year, the exercise is being organised in close coordination with Sweden’s comprehensive national defence exercise “Aurora 2026”.

Nearly 400 military personnel will participate in the exercise, together with international naval vessels, including NATO’s Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1). SNMCMG1 is one of the Alliance’s two multinational maritime units established to conduct mine countermeasure operations and, as part of the NATO Response Force, is capable of carrying out operations anywhere at short notice. 

The “Open Spirit” exercise is held on a rotational basis in one of the Baltic States and represents a significant contribution to strengthening regional security while also promoting safe navigation in the Baltic Sea.
 

Prepared by:
Justīne Tīlika    
Public Relations Specialist for the Navy    
Phone:  +37128305430
E-mail: justine.tilika@mil.lv