ASD/FS25 was conducted in a live-fire IAMD environment using NATO command and control reporting structures. The exercise aimed to improve Allied warfighting capabilities, combat credibility, and interoperability among participating nations.
“At-Sea Demonstration / Formidable Shield 2025 allowed participants to improve their warfighting readiness and strengthen relationships with Allies in the region,” said Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet and STRIKFORNATO. “Together, we have once again proven our ability to protect NATO citizens and territory and our combat forces at sea, and that our Alliance remains ready to face the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
Eleven nations took part in the exercise, conducting a series of live-fire events against subsonic, supersonic and ballistic targets. These operations involved coordinated efforts by Allied naval, ground and aviation forces across different domains.
“During At-Sea Demonstration / Formidable Shield, our combined force successfully conducted over 45 separate missile and gun engagements on both air breathing and ballistic missile targets closely resembling the subsonic and supersonic sea-skimming real-world threats that each of the countries participating could face,” said Capt. Michael Dwan, commander of Task Group 154.64 and STRIKFORNATO’s U.S. Maritime Ballistic Missile Defense Assets Advisor. “Each nation has a right to defend its sovereignty and deter against aggression, which is why operating and conducting a form of mission rehearsal and live fire exercises together as a combined force of Allies and partners is so important to our combat credibility.”
Participating countries included Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. Their combined participation demonstrated a unified commitment to NATO’s collective defence and readiness.
ASD/FS25 included support from U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe (MARFOREUR) and U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR), contributing to a joint force of over 6,900 personnel. Assets involved included more than 17 ships, 26 aircraft, eight ground units with radars, NASAMS and HIMARS, and a Tactical Air Operations Center (TAOC).
Exercises such as ASD/FS25 are held biennially and are critical for developing military cooperation and effective deterrence. They strengthen U.S.-European partnerships and reinforce the security and stability of the region and the wider Alliance.
Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, based in Naples, Italy, conducts a full range of joint and naval operations in support of U.S. and Allied interests in Europe and Africa. The exercise reflects ongoing commitments to integrated defence and operational readiness across the NATO Alliance.
