NATO is set to begin its largest military exercise since the Cold War next week, with around 90,000 personnel set to participate in the months-long wargames, the alliance’s top commander, General Chris Cavoli, announced on Thursday.
NATO to start biggest wargames in decades next week, involving around 90,000 personnel https://t.co/pNRwIGbdtY
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 19, 2024
Overview
Cavoli said, “Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024 will be the largest NATO exercise in decades, with participation from approximately 90,000 forces from all 31 Allies and our good partner Sweden.”
Reuters reported that this would be the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War. “For the first time in 30 years, we have the strategy — deterrence and defence of the Euro-Atlantic area — and we have the plans to make the Alliance fit for the purpose of collective territorial defence,” Cavoli remarked.
“This reinforcement will occur during a simulated emerging conflict scenario against a near-peer adversary,” he added.
NATO outlined that more than 50 ships, ranging from aircraft carriers to destroyers, will participate, as will over 80 fighter jets, helicopters, and drones, as well as at least 1,100 combat vehicles, including 133 tanks and 533 infantry fighting vehicles.
Cavoli emphasised that the drills would demonstrate “our unity, strength, and determination to protect each other.”
According to NATO, previous exercises of similar size include the Reforger drills with 125,000 troops during the Cold War in 1988, and the Trident Juncture drills with 50,000 troops in 2018.
Support for Ukraine Guarantees Our Security: NATO
NATO did not refer to Russia by name in its announcement. However, the top strategic document recognises Russia as the most significant threat to NATO countries’ security, Reuters said.
“This is not charity. Support to Ukraine is a direct investment in our own security,” NATO Military Committee Chair Admiral Rob Bauer said.
According to NATO’s assessment, the fighting in Ukraine is intense, and “Russia’s most recent attacks are devastating, but are not militarily effective.” Additionally, Bauer said that Ukraine has had notable military successes.
“Ukraine has prevailed as a sovereign independent nation in Europe. They are closer to the Euro-Atlantic family than ever,” Bauer stated.
“The only way to get a lasting, negotiated solution is to strengthen the Ukrainian position on the battlefield,” he added.
All Security is Connected
Bauer announced that NATO is continuously seeking ways to develop and deepen its partnerships in its southern neighbourhood. Consequently, NATO Chiefs of Defence met with their counterparts from the Partner Interoperability Advocacy Group, which included Australia, Austria, Ireland, New Zealand, and Switzerland.
The defence chiefs also met with NATO’s Indo-Pacific Partners, namely, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea.
“When it comes to security, there is no such thing as local.” Bauer stated. “All security is connected. And that made it all the more valuable to talk to our Partners face to face on developments that concern us all.”
NATO recently carried out its largest military air drills in June 2023. Air Defender 23 included over 10,000 personnel and 250 aircraft from 25 countries.