NATO is gearing up to launch its most extensive military exercises in decades, with approximately 90,000 personnel participating in months of drills designed to demonstrate the alliance’s capability to defend its entire territory up to the border with Russia, senior officers announced on Thursday.
These exercises are taking place amidst Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. While NATO is not directly involved in the conflict as an organization, it has been providing Kyiv with non-lethal support. Nevertheless, several member countries have individually sent weapons, ammunition, and provided military training to Ukraine. In the lead-up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, NATO had already begun enhancing security on its eastern flank in response to growing tensions with Russia. This buildup is the largest by the alliance since the Cold War, and the purpose of these war games is to discourage Russia from targeting any NATO member nation.
The exercises, known as Steadfast Defender 24, aim to demonstrate that NATO can conduct and sustain complex multi-domain operations over several months, covering thousands of miles from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe, and in various conditions. According to NATO, these exercises will simulate an emerging conflict scenario involving a near-peer adversary. Under NATO’s updated defense plans, its principal adversaries are Russia and terrorist organizations.
General Christopher Cavoli, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander, stated that the alliance will showcase its ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic region through the transatlantic movement of forces from North America. This exercise serves as a demonstration of NATO’s unity, strength, and determination to protect its members.
Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, noted that this exercise involves a record number of troops participating across the alliance, spanning from the U.S. to Europe. He emphasized the significant increase in troop numbers compared to exercises conducted just a year ago. Additionally, Sweden, expected to join NATO this year, will also be participating.
The U.K. Defense Secretary, Grant Shapps, confirmed that the British government would deploy 20,000 troops, supported by advanced fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, warships, and submarines, with many being stationed in Eastern Europe from February to June as part of these exercises.
