Yesterday, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced its plan to initiate its largest military exercise since the Cold War next week. This extensive training will involve 90,000 troops over the course of several months, unfolding amidst the ongoing events in Ukraine.
Supreme Allied Commander Europe, U.S. General Christopher Cavoli, shared at a press conference at NATO’s Brussels headquarters that the “Steadfast Defender” exercise will continue until the end of May. It will include units from all 31 member states, as well as candidate country Sweden.
General Cavoli highlighted that the drill will serve as a clear indication of NATO’s unified rear, its strength, and its resolute commitment to protecting all members. He noted that the maneuvers would simulate a war scenario against an “adversary of similar size,” hinting at Russia without explicitly naming it.
The general further explained that the exercise would significantly involve forces from “North America” as reinforcements to the European continent. Approximately 50 naval ships, 80 aircraft, and 1,100 combat vehicles of various types will partake in the exercises.
The announcement coincides with the approaching two-year anniversary of the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These war games are considered the most significant since the “Reforger” exercise in 1988, which occurred during the Cold War between the Soviet Union and NATO.
“Unprecedented” Number of Soldiers
During the same press conference, Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, head of NATO’s Military Committee, mentioned the “unprecedented” number of soldiers being mobilized. The United Kingdom alone intends to send 20,000 troops to these exercises, as stated by Defence Minister Grant Shapps the prior Monday.
According to Shapps, the deployment, which he described as the UK’s largest in the context of NATO for four decades, aims to provide “significant reassurances” in the face of the threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin following his invasion of Ukraine.
Elements from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Army are set to be deployed throughout Europe and beyond to participate in the “Steadfast Defender” military exercises, as confirmed by London.
Shapps detailed that NATO is larger today than ever before but also faces greater challenges, highlighting that Western allies presently need to confront emerging challenges from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
He also mentioned that NATO’s adversaries are “more connected to each other” now than ever before, while Western allies find themselves “at a crossroads.”
Russian Forces
Bauer noted that Russian ground forces have suffered significant losses on the battlefield in Ukraine but emphasized that the Russian navy and air force remain “large.” He added that while the Russian attacks are destructive on this front, they are not operationally significant, in his words.
There have been no major changes along the front line between the Russian and Ukrainian armies in recent months. Kiev, however, continues to urgently request more weapons and ammunition, hoping to achieve a significant military breakthrough.
In particular, Ukraine is calling for reinforcements in air defense as its infrastructure and cities are bombarded daily.
Meanwhile, European leaders hope to reach a consensus among the 27 member states on this issue during the European Summit scheduled for February 1st in Brussels.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 22nd, 2022, NATO has significantly strengthened its defenses along its eastern flank, deploying thousands of additional troops.
