CTF-66 showcases RAS capabilities with partners in Portugal-led unmanned systems demonstration during REPMUS/Dynamic Messenger 2025

Nations that participated in the live RAS demonstration include Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States.

"We continue to advance our robotic and autonomous systems through ongoing testing and combined training with partners and their unmanned systems," said Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR/NAVAF). "We deeply appreciate our Ally, Portugal, for their leadership in maritime experimentation and unmanned systems. Our collective capability is only getting stronger."

Taking place near the Portuguese Navy's Operational Experimentation Centre (CEOM), the live RAS demonstration deployed two groups of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) simulating a swarming attack, with CTF-66 deploying three Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Crafts (GARC) in response to disrupt the attacking USVs and protect critical infrastructure from harm.

This routine demonstration tests and validates U.S. and partner robotic and autonomous systems' ability to protect critical infrastructure, and enhances interoperability within the NATO's allied and partner nations in employing unmanned systems to execute national tasking.

"CTF-66 is focused on adaptation, which enables a warfighting edge and warfighting advantage," said Rear Adm. Michael S. Mattis, commander, CTF-66. "Sharpening that warfighting edge is pushing the capabilities and limits of our RAS with Allies and partners, and that's exactly what we're doing during REPMUS/Dynamic Messenger 2025."

REPMUS 2025 is a Portuguese-led experimentation exercise that focuses on maritime unmanned systems experimentation, capability development and interoperability, highlighting NATO's ability to trial and integrate uncrewed systems into the operational environment.

REPMUS 2025 is combined with exercise Dynamic Messenger (DYMS), an operational experimentation exercise led by NATO's Allied Maritime Command to promote adaptation of capabilities, support agile modernization of Allied Maritime forces, and gain operational advantage across the Alliance.

REPMUS / Dynamic Messenger 2025 integrates unmanned systems into NATO's standing Naval Forces, resulting in both national maritime capability development and an exponential growth in RAS capability across the Alliance. The exercise also supports NATO's broader Digital Transformation goals by improving information sharing, data management, and the integration of advanced technologies into command structures.

Established in 2024 to deploy and employ RAS with Navy, joint, and NATO partners, CTF-66 utilizes RAS in conjunction with conventional manned platforms and spaced-based capabilities to expand Maritime Domain Awareness, develop defense measures against adversarial use of RAS, innovate asymmetric fighting, and in the future, deliver lethal effects, if necessary.

Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa, and freedom of navigation in and around the Mediterranean.

For over 80 years, NAVEUR/NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with Allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR/NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility.