About Us

Naval Mine Warfare has some specific characteristics that makes it an atypical warfare area, very different from the other warfare’s The two main reasons for this are the operating environment and the characteristics of the threat.

Even in modern ages, sea mines remain a threat for naval warfare Their impact is exponential in comparison to the minelaying effort, reaching far more targets then only military.

The NATO NMW COE is not only based on experiences, but is at the forefront of the developments in the NMW domain Our focus is on Concept Development and Experimentation, Doctrine and Standardization, Lessons Learned and Analysis and finally Education and Training.

MISSION

To assist NATO, Nations, Partners and other bodies by supporting the NATO transformation and operational efforts NATO’s capability development process mission effectiveness and interoperability by providing comprehensive expertise on Naval Mine Warfare.

MESSAGE

Naval Mine Warfare is as relevant as ever. Modern sea mines are becoming more and more complex and sophisticated. At the same time, the threat of maritime improvised explosive devices has to be taken into account. Meanwhile, the Allies sea mining capabilities receive limited attention.

The present generation of mine countermeasure vessels will be replaced over the course of the next 10 to 15 years. Implementing the use of new innovative technologies, these capabilities will differ significantly from the current means and will include remote controlled or autonomous vehicles, and other revolutionary systems to be deployed.

These new capabilities require new doctrine and tactics, planning and evaluation algorithms, tools, and education and training of personnel. The NATO Naval Mine Warfare Centre of Excellence aims to guide and support the development of all that is essential to take NATO’s Naval Mine Warfare capabilities into the next era.

Due to the lack of capabilities within other warfare areas currently Naval Mine Warfare assets are basically the only one that can provide support for Critical Underwater Infrastructure (CUI) Protection. This would remain our additional focus unless dedicated platforms, entities and solutions are developed and constituted.