Portsmouth-based Royal Navy warship HMS Kent involved in Baltic war games security testing

The warship will be joined by minehunter HMS Ramsey, and the exercise will see their 250 sailors join around 3,000 military personnel from more than a dozen nations in Nato’s Baltops – an annual workout of allied and partner nations testing their ability to guarantee security of the Baltic region.

Around two dozen ships and a similar number of aircraft will concentrate on core naval warfare tasks including air defence, anti-submarine warfare and minehunting.

Baltops has taken place every year since 1972, with the latest event focusing on operations on, above and beneath the waves.

HMS Kent arrives in the Baltic after joint training with the US Navy in northern European waters. The exercise started on Sunday.

The Type 23 anti-submarine warfare frigate’s primary role is anti-submarine warfare, using active and passive underwater sensors as well as a Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron to hunt down any submarine threats.

With no submarines taking part in this year’s Baltops, the frigate will be dealing with multiple threats from aircraft, boats and submarines by deploying cutting edge sensors and weapon systems.

‘My ship’s company are eager to take part in the exercise and up for the challenge, focusing on our ability to operate seamlessly with our Nato and partner nations,’ Kent’s commanding officer Commander Matt Sykes said.

‘In these turbulent times, it is also vitally important that we demonstrate our commitment to the region and to upholding the principles of freedom of access to the Baltic Sea.’

Meanwhile, HMS Ramsey is involved in Baltops for the second year running.

Lieutenant Commander Joel Roberts, Ramsey’s commanding officer, said: ‘In these uncertain times, continuing to deliver on operations is essential in protecting collective Nato and UK interests, and Baltops demonstrates an enduring commitment to strengthen our combined understanding, diverse range of capability, and ability to respond to emerging threats.

‘The training value being in company with so many allies and partner nations is invaluable.’

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