The Romanian Naval Forces are conducting the multinational operational experimentation exercise OPEX 26 in the Black Sea from 18 to 29 May. The training activity aims to test and integrate unmanned systems into naval operations, while also strengthening interoperability among participating structures.
The exercise includes military units and specialists from Allied and Partner Nations, as well as representatives of civilian companies involved in the development of Maritime Unmanned Systems (MUS). Activities conducted during the exercise include maritime situational research and monitoring, training in the employment of unmanned surface and underwater systems, and tactical serials designed to enhance cooperation among participating forces.
The NATO Maritime GEOMETOC COE is supporting the Romanian Navy in conducting Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) activities during the exercise. The collection and exploitation of GEOMETOC data, exclusively through the employment of MUS technologies, will contribute to improving maritime environmental knowledge in support of naval operations.
The REA concept and associated support procedures are being tested and will be assessed based on the experimental results achieved and observations collected throughout the exercise.
To support REA activities, the Romanian Naval Forces are participating with hydrographic survey vessels, while the Portuguese Navy is conducting surveys using USVs and UUV LAUVs for maritime research, together with specialist teams in hydrography, oceanography, and naval operations. REA products are being disseminated through a REA Data Dissemination Tool developed by Kongsberg Geospatial, a partner of the COE.
