NATO Announces Largest Exercise Since the Cold War
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) revealed plans for its largest military exercise since the Cold War on Thursday. The exercise, dubbed Steadfast Defender 24, will involve around 90,000 soldiers participating in training operations across the United States, Europe, and the Atlantic Ocean.
A statement from NATO explained that the exercise aims to simulate an emerging conflict and demonstrate the alliance’s ability to carry out operations over vast distances, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe, and under any conditions. All 31 NATO members and Sweden will participate in the maneuvers.
The exercise is set to involve more than 80 aircraft, including advanced models like F35s, FA18s, Harriers, F15s, as well as helicopters and drones. Additionally, more than 50 naval assets and over 1,100 combat vehicles are expected to take part in the exercise.
NATO emphasized that the exercises are strictly defensive, transparent, and proportionate, conducted in line with international obligations. The announcement comes amid heightened global tensions, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
NATO, officially known as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was established as a non-aggressive defense alliance between European and North American nations to promote peace, stability, and security. The alliance was formed in response to the intensifying Cold War and the need to protect Western European countries from the threat posed by the Soviet Union.
Since its inception in 1949 with 12 founding members, NATO has expanded to include 31 member states. Several former Eastern Bloc countries have joined the alliance, a development that Russia views as a threat, despite the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Recent tensions have been fueled by Russia’s concerns over NATO expansion. The alliance’s relationship with Russia has remained strained, and growing tension was further aggravated following declarations of support for NATO by the President and Prime Minister of Finland.
Ultimately, the alliance has continued to grow, with Finland’s entry into NATO being officially approved in April 2023, and Sweden’s acceptance following Turkey’s decision to lift its blockade on that matter in July of the same year.