Breaking News: NATO & U.S. Conduct Largest Naval Air and Missile Defense Exercise in Europe.

According to an official statement released by the U.S. Department of Defense on May 23, 2025, the U.S. Sixth Fleet and NATO’s Naval Striking and Support Forces successfully concluded At-Sea Demonstration/Formidable Shield 2025 (ASD/FS25), the largest and most advanced integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise ever conducted in Europe.
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Formidable Shield 2025, the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in Europe, is hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and led by STRIKFORNATO. The drill enhances Allied interoperability in joint air and missile defense operations using NATO command structures. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

Held from May 3 to 23, 2025,the exercise assembled a formidable multinational coalition in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, Norwegian waters, and around the United Kingdom. ASD/FS25 (At-Sea Demonstration/Formidable Shield 2025) was designed to test and enhance NATO’s ability to conduct high-tempo operations in a complex live-fire IAMD environment, using joint command-and-control structures under real-world threat scenarios. Led by the U.S. Sixth Fleet and executed operationally by STRIKFORNATO, the drill brought together Allied naval, air, and ground assets in a unified defensive framework.

ASD/FS25 provided a platform for dynamic, real-world engagements, including the tracking and neutralization of simulated ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and hostile aircraft using state-of-the-art NATO and national systems. The exercise tested radar interoperability, communication networks, and engagement coordination between ships, aircraft, and ground elements of multiple allied nations.

Key highlights included real-time NATO IAMD network operations with full-spectrum radar and fire-control system testing, successful multi-layered intercept scenarios demonstrating Europe’s missile defense capabilities, and the deployment of multinational task groups that highlighted NATO’s readiness to jointly respond to evolving global threats. Participating forces leveraged a range of assets, including Aegis-equipped destroyers, European frigates, and allied fighter squadrons, showcasing the depth and versatility of NATO’s collective defense structure.

With the increasing threat from advanced missile systems and the ever-evolving nature of air and space warfare, ASD/FS25 served not only as a technical rehearsal but also a strong political message. Coming at a time when Europe continues to navigate geopolitical uncertainties, the success of Formidable Shield 2025 represents a robust commitment by NATO to collective security and rapid military integration. The drill also helped identify interoperability gaps, ensuring continued progress toward a more seamless allied defensive posture.

Eleven nations participated in a series of live-fire events against subsonic, supersonic, and ballistic targets. These events incorporated multiple Allied ships, ground and aviation forces working across battlespaces to deliver effects and accomplish exercise objectives. Throughout ASD/FS25, participating nations shared common tactical pictures and situational awareness, conducted NATO-level mission planning and engagement coordination, and exercised force-level pre-planned responses in various scenarios and situations.

During the exercise, the combined force conducted over 45 separate missile and gun engagements on both air-breathing and ballistic missile targets that closely resembled the subsonic and supersonic sea-skimming threats each participating country could face. The engagements tested not only the hardware but the command synchronization and rapid response capabilities that are vital in contemporary multi-domain warfare.

Participating nations included Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These countries contributed naval and air assets, ground-based air defense systems, and command and control elements, reinforcing their operational unity under the NATO banner. Strong U.S.-European partnerships remain crucial for peace and stability in the region and for the defense of the Homeland. Exercises like ASD/FS25 are vital for building a stronger military alliance and bolstering collective defense capabilities.

The exercise, which is held biennially, aims to enhance participating nations’ abilities to defend and counter a variety of potential threats. This year’s iteration included a series of complex live-fires, demonstrating warfighting readiness and combat power across multiple domains. It underlined the Alliance’s preparedness to operate in contested environments while defending NATO airspace and maritime approaches.

In addition to the 11 NATO Allied nations, the exercise also featured contributions from U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe (MARFOREUR), and U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR), totaling a combined force of more than 17 ships and 26 aircraft. Eight ground units were involved, consisting of advanced radar systems, National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), along with a Tactical Air Operations Center (TAOC). Approximately 6,900 personnel from across the Alliance took part in the operation, demonstrating the depth and scale of NATO’s integrated air and missile defense architecture.

ASD/FS25 marks another critical milestone in NATO’s evolution to counter emerging threats across multiple domains. The results and data collected from this exercise will serve as the foundation for refining NATO’s IAMD doctrine and shaping future multinational operations. As this iteration of Formidable Shield concludes, preparations are already underway for the next wave of readiness campaigns, including Steadfast Defender 2026.