NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian is a mission aimed at maritime security in the Mediterranean Sea to ensure freedom of navigation and situational awareness.

The submarine Arpao, during the mission, will collect intelligence data, analyze behavior patterns in the area, control the maritime space, focusing on drug trafficking activities, weapons and people, and also carry out surveillance of maritime traffic and marine pollution.

During this operation, NRP Arpao will also integrate the NATO DYNAMIC MARINER 23 exercise to obtain the certification of the NATO Response Force – Maritime Component.

At the Lisbon Naval Base, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, General José Nunes da Fonseca, the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo, among other entities, were present at the start of the Navy ship.

The NRP Arpao is commanded by Frigate Captain Taveira Pinto and has a garrison of 34 military personnel on board.