Latvia: Open Spirit 2026 delivers real world impact in the Baltic Sea


NATO ships took part in an international mine countermeasures exercise off the coast of Latvia between 1 and 13 May 2026. Open Spirit 26 brought together Allied and Partner navies, enhanced regional security, strengthened interoperability, and reduced the threat posed by historical naval mines in the region.

This year’s exercise was held in close coordination with Sweden’s national defence exercise Aurora 26, linking mine warfare with wider regional defence efforts.

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Source: NATO News


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