Maritime Component Command departs Rota Naval Base for Exercise STEADFAST DART

NATO Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum

Feb 1 2026

ROTA, Spain — The Maritime Component Command (MCC) of NATO’s Allied Reaction Force (ARF), led by the Spanish Maritime Forces Headquarters (SPMARFOR), deployed on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, from Rota Naval Base aboard the amphibious assault ship ESPS Castilla, marking the start of the maritime deployment phase of Exercise STEADFAST DART 26.

The MCC exercises command and control over all maritime forces assigned to the ARF and ensures integration with NATO’s other Component Commands across domains.

A total of six ships sailed from Rota under MCC command. The Spanish Navy flagship ESPS Castilla serves as the command platform for the MCC, escorted by the Spanish Navy frigate ESPS Cristóbal Colón. They are joined by a Turkish Amphibious Task Group comprising TCG Anadolu (Landing Helicopter Dock – LHD), TCG Derya (Logistics Support Ship), TCG İstanbul (I-Class Frigate) and TCG Oruçreis (Barbaros-Class Frigate).

In total, around 2,000 sailors, airmen and marines are part of the MCC for the exercise. The force brings together a wide range of capabilities, including amphibious units, helicopters, maritime patrol assets, unmanned systems, amphibious landing craft, as well as armoured and amphibious vehicles, enabling to operate effectively across the full spectrum of maritime operations.

As the force transits towards the Baltic Sea, with Kiel as one of its main destinations, the MCC will integrate NATO’s Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1), strengthening interoperability and cohesion among NATO naval forces.

During the transit to Kiel, the MCC will conduct combined and joint training activities with several Allied nations, including Portugal, France and the Netherlands, further enhancing multinational cooperation and operational readiness.

STEADFAST DART 26 underscores the important role of the maritime domain within the ARF. Operating at and from the sea, the MCC enables NATO to project power, support joint operations ashore, protect vital sea lines of communication and generate decisive military effects in support of deterrence and defence. The deployment demonstrates NATO’s readiness and ability to lead complex multinational maritime operations at the highest level.

Story by NATO Media Information Centre