Co-operate to compete: NATO navies respond together to counter Russian resurgence

NATO ships conduct a 'PHOTEX' passage during the 'BALTOPS' 2016 exercise. As with many other Alliance training outputs at the moment, 'BALTOPS' was executed with increased rigour and vigour. (NATO)

By:Wording OD.

The last decade has seen an inexorable resurgence of Russian naval power, set against increasingly uncertain relations between Cold War adversaries. As NATO responds to this strategic shift, Martin Ewence looks at how the alliance is using a more intelligent approach to improving interoperability.

When the UK Royal Navy (RN) Type 42 destroyer HMS Glasgow arrived in Baltiysk harbour in May 1994, with embarked senior staff present for formal talks with the Russian Baltic Fleet as part of continuing rapprochement with the Russian navy following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the base was a sorry sight. Destroyers tied to the wall were half sunk.

Source: Jane's Defense.