Three NATO Standing Groups participate this year with the French Aero-Naval Rapid Reaction Force (FRMARFOR) in exercise BRILLIANT MARINER 2017, a large NATO Naval Exercise designed to support the certification of the naval component of the NATO Response Force (NRF) for 2018. The French Aero-Naval Rapid Reaction Force will assume responsibilities as the Maritime Component Commander (MCC) for the NRF 2018. Currently NATO Striking & Support Forces (STRIKFORNATO) hold the role.
Ships from the navies of Canada, Denmark, France, Greece, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom are participating in exercise BRILLIANT MARINER for a total of 27 naval units supported by maritime patrol and rotary wing aircraft.