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Scope of the Exercise: Involves around 50 naval ships, over 80 fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and roughly 1,100 combat vehicles.
Objectives: The drills practice NATO’s regional response plans, with an emphasis on rapid mobilization and defense tactics in anticipation of potential Russian aggression.
Broader NATO Developments
This extensive military exercise, part of Steadfast Defender 2024, is the largest since the Cold War, with an estimated 990,000 personnel participating from all member states. NATO's increased activity underscores the alliance's focus on deterring Russian expansionism and preparing for possible future conflicts in Eastern Europe and beyond.