Underwater Centre of Excellence

A knowledge hub dedicated to the holistic understanding of the underwater operating environment.

Connecting expertise across the Alliance

Developing operational capability, knowledge and frameworks to support NATO, Allies and Partners in the underwater operating environment.

Discover our Mission and Vision

From capability development to doctrine

Underwater Capability Development, Analysis, Education & Training, and Framework & Guidance — delivering expertise across NATO’s four COE pillars.

Explore our activities

The underwater dimension

A complex and increasingly contested space where energy, data and security flow together. Discover why the underwater operating environment matters.

Why underwater matters

Underwater COE

About us

Learn more about us

Who we are

Underwater COE: a Centre of Excellence dedicated to the underwater operating environment.

Mission, Vision, Goals

Our vision, mission and the goals that will guide our work.

Organisational

Our organisational structure, leadership and the team behind the Centre.

History

From concept to accreditation: the roadmap to establishing the first NATO Centre of Excellence led by the Italian Navy.

Activities

Developing capability, knowledge and frameworks for the underwater operating environment

The Underwater Centre of Excellence (Underwater COE) will support NATO's effort to understand, innovate and strengthen operations in the underwater operating environment. By monitoring the latest trends, detecting technological breakthroughs and leveraging global underwater expertise and capabilities, the Centre will identify Allied capability gaps and maximise the benefits of innovation for NATO.

Lines of Effort (LoEs)

Its work will be structured around three Lines of Effort (LoEs), taking into account the work of existing COEs and other relevant NATO-related entities.