U Splitu provedena međunarodna vojna vježba ADRIATIC PARTNERSHIP MIO/VBSS 2025 | Foto: HRM/ K. Kasalo
Multinational naval exercise “ADRIATIC PARTNERSHIP MIO/VBSS 2025” conducted in Split
Maritime interdiction exercise brings together naval forces from Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, and the United States to enhance security in the Adriatic and Western Mediterranean
From 7 to 11 April 2025, the Croatian Navy hosted the multinational military exercise ADRIATIC PARTNERSHIP MARITIME INTERDICTION OPERATIONS (MIO/VBSS) 2025 in Split.
The exercise brought together five maritime interdiction teams from the navies of the Republic of Albania, Montenegro, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Slovenia, and the United States. The Croatian Navy Training Centre led the planning and execution of all training activities, with support from the Croatian Navy Fleet.
The aim of the exercise was to train tactics, techniques, and procedures at the tactical level for conducting maritime interdiction operations, counter-smuggling missions, and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure.
Lieutenant Commander Ivana Baljak, a lead exercise coordinator from the Croatian Navy Headquarters, highlighted the importance of multinational collaboration: “This training provides a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and operational experience across partner navies. It clearly demonstrates the Croatian Navy’s ability to host and execute complex international exercises to a high standard.”
Two representatives from the United States Navy took part as observers, contributing to the development of mutual understanding and interoperability in the planning and execution of maritime interdiction operations. Joint training activities included team embarkation on suspect vessels, external and internal ship searches, and detention operations conducted aboard those vessels.
The theoretical phase consisted of briefings on maritime interdiction planning, operational risks, and mission execution. Each participating nation presented its capabilities and national approach to maritime interdiction operations. Practical training was conducted at the “Fleet Admiral Sveto Letica – Barba” Barracks in Split and at sea in Kaštela Bay aboard the Croatian Coast Guard vessel OB SB-73 Faust Vrančić, in accordance with NATO publication ATP-71.
Exercise ADRIATIC PARTNERSHIP MIO/VBSS 2025 represents a significant step forward in strengthening international defence cooperation and in advancing the shared strategic objective of enhancing maritime security in the Adriatic Sea and the wider Western Mediterranean region.
