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Northern Coast 2025Many warships along the German Baltic Sea coast due to NATO exercise

Fabian Boerger

 · 28.08.2025

Northern Coast 2025: Many warships along the German Baltic Sea coast due to NATO exercisePhoto: Bundeswehr/Mario Bähr
Naval units during an exercise in Hohwacht Bay in 2022. Exercises like this take place repeatedly along the German Baltic Sea coast. In September 2025, it is the "Northern Coast" exercise.
The international military exercise "Northern Coast" 2025 will take place from 29 August to 12 September 2025 in the western and southern Baltic Sea. During this time, pleasure craft must be particularly careful and keep a safe distance. More about the exercise and what to watch out for. If a naval vessel crosses your path or a helicopter flies overhead in the next two weeks, this is nothing unusual on the German Baltic coast. From 29 August to 12 September 2025, the "Northern Coast 2025" military exercise will once again take place in the western and southern Baltic Sea. This will involve training to protect the Baltic Sea region under wartime conditions and practising the rapid deployment of troops to the NATO flank, among other things.
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14 nations involved in "Northern Coast

This exercise is part of the international Quadriga 2025 series and emphasises the defence readiness and security interests of NATO partners in the Baltic Sea region. According to the Bundeswehr more than 2,500 soldiers and 40 ships from 14 nations are taking part in the "Northern Coast" exercise. In addition to Germany, the European countries bordering the Baltic Sea, France, Great Britain, the USA, Belgium, the Netherlands and Canada are also taking part. An international staff in Rostock is in charge of the operational management, supported by the German naval inspector.

Large German-Danish training area

The "Northern Coast" exercise covers a large area in the western and southern Baltic Sea. The key points of the area, as published by the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration, are as follows:

  • 53°50.00' N 009°00.00' E
  • 56°00.00' N 009°00.00' E
  • 56°00.00' N 018°00.00' E
  • 53°50.00' N 018°00.00' E

Increased attention and caution required

Several military units are taking part in the exercise, including aircraft, surface units, submarines, drones and diving units. The Bundeswehr points out that the participants could sail irregularly during the exercise and may operate without navigation lights or the automatic localisation system AIS. Therefore, recreational craft should be particularly attentive and careful in the region during the period mentioned.

You can read about the correct behaviour of pleasure craft during naval exercises here.

Radio watch and safety distance

The Bundeswehr has issued clear regulations for ships and pleasure craft in training areas. It is important to be prepared for possible radio enquiries. In addition, a safe distance of at least 1000 metres from naval vessels must be maintained. Also pay attention to the signals of military vessels to avoid potential dangers.

More on the topic:

In the event of queries or emergencies, the Bundeswehr has set up a special telephone number: +49 4631/666 32 01. This number is available during the entire duration of the exercise and should be contacted in case of uncertainty or in critical situations.

Special precautions apply for water sports enthusiasts and sailors travelling in the region during this time.

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