NATO launches largest-ever military exercise since Cold War
3 Min Read
The alliance has deployed thousands of troops in the eastern flank, implementing its most comprehensive defense plans since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
-
F-16, Mirage 2000, and C-27 flew training missions above Lithuania, conducting close formation flights and aerial combat drills to demonstrate capabilities and hone flying skills, photographed on January 23, 2024 (X, @NATO).
NATO on Wednesday commenced its most extensive military exercise since the Cold War, marking a significant display of strength as a US warship set sail from the US to European alliance territory across the Atlantic.
Approximately 90,000 troops are set to participate in the months-long Steadfast Defender 24 exercise, a strategic move by NATO to evaluate and fortify its capabilities in light of Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The USS Gunston Hall set sail today, marking the start of #SteadfastDefender24, NATO's largest exercise in decades
— Dylan White (@NATOpress) January 24, 2024
➡️ 90,000 personnel
➡️ manoeuvres spanning the North Atlantic & Europe
➡️ testing #NATO's ability to defend against a near-peer adversary in an Article 5 scenario
"The alliance will demonstrate its ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area via trans-Atlantic movement of forces from North America," said General Christopher Cavoli, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.
"Steadfast Defender 2024 will be a clear demonstration of our unity, strength, and determination to protect each other, our values, and the rules-based international order."
The simulation, designed to replicate the alliance's response to a potential attack, spans from North America to NATO's eastern flank near the Russian border, involving 50 naval vessels, 80 aircraft, and over 1,100 combat vehicles.
Read more: The Looming Threat of Nuclear War
This exercise, unparalleled since the 1988 Reforger drill during the Cold War, reflects NATO's proactive approach to fortifying capabilities following the launch of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine in 2022.
The alliance has deployed thousands of troops in the eastern flank, implementing its most comprehensive defense plans since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Sweden's membership underway
Turkey's parliament officially ratified Sweden's NATO bid on Tuesday, bringing an end to over a year of delays that had been a source of concern for Western powers engaged in a proxy war with Russia in Ukraine.
The majority of Turkish parliamentarians voted in favor of Sweden's bid to formally become the 32nd member of NATO.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan publicly backed Sweden's bid, after long opposing it.
President Erdogan is anticipated to sign Sweden's ratification document in the coming days, formally concluding Turkey's role in the protracted process.
Read more: Swedish Defense Minister: War could come to Sweden
Hungary remains the last remaining hurdle in the accession process.
Hungary had closely followed Turkey's stance throughout the NATO accession process, expectations were high for Hungary's approval of Sweden's membership without significant resistance.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban extended an invitation to his Swedish counterpart to Budapest for discussions on the matter. However, indications of strains emerged as Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom asserted that there was currently "no reason" to negotiate with Hungary regarding Stockholm's NATO candidacy.
