Since January 2025, Belgium has proudly led the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1), one of the four permanent NATO maritime units that guarantee maritime safety, mine countermeasures and the protection of critical submarine infrastructure. On 2 July, Belgium handed over the leadership to Latvia, after 175 days or six months of operational deployment, intensive cooperation and strategic impact.
Under the leadership of frigate captain Erik Kockx, the Belgian command of SNMCMG1 distinguished itself through professionalism and effective cooperation in a complex security environment. Belgium not only provided the staff personnel, but also reinforced the group with the minehunter Lobelia, which has been seamlessly integrated into the NATO fleet since March 2025.
Center of gravity in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea
During this period, SNMCMG1 combined planned exercises with real operations. A major mission was the participation in Baltic Sentry, aimed at protecting critical submarine infrastructure, such as pipelines, data cables and energy networks. The group continuously conducted patrols from Finland to Denmark.
The last major SNMCMG1 exercise under the command of frigate captain Erick Kock, organized by the American Sixth Fleet , was one of the largest NATO exercises of the year ( Beldefnews | The Navy on the alert during BALTOPS 25 ). “The larger the exercise, the more units and partners there are, and therefore the greater the challenge”, emphasizes frigate captain Kockx. He looks back with satisfaction on the result achieved by the ships and crews involved.
Historical ammunition
A special part of the deployment was the execution of HODOPS (Historical Ordnance Disposal Operations), in which old sea mines and ammunition from both world wars were detected and rendered harmless. During the exercise Open Spirit, found mines were neutralized ( Beldefnews | The Navy on mine hunting during Open Spirit ). The continued discovery of old sea mines as well as their continued use in contemporary conflicts demonstrates the importance of specialized and strong mine countermeasures in European waters to guarantee the safety of shipping routes and citizens.
Flashback
In his farewell speech, Commander Kockx emphasized the valuable experience and trust that has been built, as well as the cooperation that is essential for a well-functioning international fleet. “Our presence and operations serve not only as protection, but also as a clear signal that NATO is determined to ensure the security and stability in the Baltic region.”
The leadership of SNMCMG1 will now be continued by Latvian Commander Janis Auce, who will continue to lead the NATO group in a period that will undoubtedly bring new challenges.
Brief overview of the Belgian contribution to SNMCMG1
- Commander: Frigate Captain Erik Kockx
- Reinforcement: Minehunter Lobelia added in March 2025
- Missions: Baltic Sentry, HODOPS
- Exercises: BALTOPS 2025, Open Spirit, Baltic MCM
- Cooperation: Close coordination with the Navies of the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Poland and Lithuania
- Results: Neutralization of historical munitions, strengthening NATO readiness and maritime security