Mission
The Underwater COE acts as a hub among NATO bodies, Allies, other relevant Centres of Excellence, Partner Nations and other non-NATO entities including International Organisations, industry, research centres and academia.
Its mission is to support the development of operational capability related to the underwater operating environment as well as doctrine, concepts, standards and procedures.
Through associated education, training, analysis and Lessons Learned, the Centre enables NATO and Allies to enhance their ability to operate within and control the underwater operating environment.
Vision
The Underwater COE will be the knowledge centre for the holistic understanding of the underwater operating environment.
By bringing together relevant expertise, the Centre will provide effective and efficient solutions to facilitate and foster improvements and developments necessary to safeguard Allies’ freedom of movement, security and interests underwater.
Goals
In accordance with its vision and mission, the Underwater COE will support NATO's approach to the underwater operating environment through the four COE pillars and related requirements.
The Centre pursues five key goals:
Build shared awareness
Provide awareness and understanding of the underwater environment developing a collaborative network among Allies and Partners.
Leverage technology
Leverage technological advances of sensors, autonomous and unmanned systems through independent analysis, critical thinking and the exploitation of operational and experimental activities for the development of the Underwater Situational Awareness (UWSA).
Address emerging threats
Support the assessment of emerging threats — both operational and technical — that could compromise the use of the underwater environment and its infrastructures and assist in developing strategies, concepts, methods and capabilities to counter them.
Enhance readiness
Contribute to the Alliance’s preparedness and readiness by promoting the development of concepts, doctrine, standards, tactics, techniques and procedures, as well as technologies and equipment related to the underwater environment.
Grow the community
Contribute to the development of the underwater Community of Interest (COI) to trigger a virtuous circle of analysis, sharing and collaboration aimed at continuous improvement for the benefit of the whole community.
NATO's four COE pillars
The Underwater COE's work is guided by a clear set of goals that translate its vision and mission into concrete actions. These goals ensure that the Centre delivers real value to NATO, Allies and Partners in addressing the challenges of the underwater operating environment.
Each goal aligns with NATO's four COE pillars — Education, Training, Exercise and Evaluation; Analysis and Lessons Learned; Doctrine Development and Standardisation; Concept Development and Experimentation — ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated approach.