Europe’s Trident Against Terror

In a significant display of international cooperation, over 200 special tactics operators from ten European countries convened in Stockholm for a naval exercise named ‘TRIDENT’. This week-long event, conducted in October 2025, aimed at honing skills to neutralize terrorist threats on maritime and coastal venues.

The exercise, under the ATLAS Network and financially backed by Europol, involved the Swedish Police Authority’s Special Intervention Unit, the Swedish Coast Guard, and the Armed Forces. It simulated real-world terrorist and hostage scenarios onboard cruise liners and ferries, challenging participants with both day and night operations. The scenarios were designed to mimic actual terrorist attacks, complete with the deployment of helicopters, naval vessels, and various tactical equipment.

The culmination of the TRIDENT exercise was a complex, large-scale operation across the Stockholm archipelago. This final test assessed the operators’ abilities to intercept weapon shipments and rescue hostages under dire circumstances. High-profile observers included Sweden’s Minister of Justice, the Head of Swedish Police, and Europol representatives, underscoring the exercise’s importance.

ATLAS, an umbrella organization consisting of EU member states’ law enforcement special intervention units, has been pivotal in enhancing Europe’s response capabilities to security threats. Supported by Europol, ATLAS conducts around fifty joint activities annually, continuously fostering collaboration and readiness among Europe’s elite security forces.