Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1, a multinational immediate reaction force, has completed a historical ordnance disposal operation, also known as HODOPS, in the Bay of Riga, neutralizing nine pieces of unexploded ordnance dating back to World War I and II.
According to the NATO Allied Maritime Command, every ship within the multinational group contributed to the effort, finding and neutralizing at least one UXO, which included torpedoes and sea mines. The Dutch staff ship HNLMS Luymes used its sonar to scan the seabed, while the Belgian minehunter BNS Lobelia handled identification and disposal. The SNMCMG1 staff oversaw the operation, tasking units and compiling reports.
“The threat from historical ordnance remains very real,” said Erik Kockx, the Belgian commander of the SNMCMG1. “Our presence and our operations serve both as a safeguard and a signal: NATO is committed to the safety and security of the Baltic region.” He described the operation as a “textbook example of real-world minehunting.”
The group also shared updated seabed data, including the locations of two previously unrecorded wrecks, with Latvian authorities to enhance long-term maritime safety. Additionally, SNMCMG1 representatives met with Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds and Latvian Navy Commander Flotilla Admiral Māris Polencs during a port visit to Riga, reaffirming NATO’s commitment to regional security.
The HODOPS mission is part of NATO’s broader efforts to enhance security in the Baltic Sea region. Earlier this year, NATO launched Baltic Sentry, a multi-domain mission to protect critical undersea infrastructure, involving frigates, maritime patrol aircraft and naval drones.