10,000 soldiers from 11 states, 1.5 1000 military vehicles: tanks, combat infantry cars, rocket launchers, and almost 20 ships – the largest NATO exercises of this year under the code name "Steadfast Dart 2026" have just begun in Germany. Their goal is to test the Alliance's ability to rapidly deploy forces in Central Europe.
The German port Emden is being hauled up by ships with military equipment. It was the first 1 to arrive, a fewer days ago, that the freighter Severine, flying the flag of Malta, brought in 2,2 1000 vehicles belonging to the Italian Army. The unit was welcomed by General Nicola Mandolesi, deputy chief of staff of the Natov Joint Forces Command in Brunssum. "The arrival of these troops in Germany is clear proof of NATO's unity, strength and determination. Our Alliance remains defensive, transparent and ready to act," emphasized the officer.
Soon there were besides columns of armored transporters, combat infantry cars, low-carriage sets carrying tanks. specified transports will take place for at least the next fewer days, if not weeks. It is part of the “Steadfast Dart 2026” – the largest NATO exercise this year. A full of 10,000 soldiers from 11 countries will participate. And almost 1.5 1000 vehicles – from combat infantry vehicles through tanks to rocket launchers as well as almost 20 ships.
The main presumption of maneuvers is to test the Alliance's ability to rapid metastasis and deployment of forces in central Europe in the reality of the enemy's threat. This time NATO trains without US participation. The organizers want to practice a variant in which Americans will be active in another conflict.
The primary function in the “Steadfast Dart” will be played by the Allied consequence Force (ARF) – established in 2023, by the arrangements NATO summit in Vilnius. In the intention of creators, they are intended to supply the ability to operate in all domains. "They can supply forces and means of demolition within 10 days, and thus strengthen deterrence or make a strategical dilemma for the opponent," says Alliance documents. Last year's script ‘Steadfast Dart’ included the deployment of ARF in confederate Europe. This year's exercises are based on that success. erstwhile again, we want to show NATO's responsiveness and strength," he emphasises General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Commander of Alliance forces in Europe.
"Steadfast Dart 2026" will, however, have a second part. In February, soldiers will join training in the field. They will carry out activities on land, in the air, at sea, but besides in cyberspace and even space. Exercises will be conducted primarily in Bergen, Lower Saxony. However, the plans besides included a demonstration of the sea landing at the field in Putlos on the Baltic, in the Land of Schleswig-Holstein.
The maneuvers will last until March. “Polish soldiers participate in them as observers,” says Colonel Marek Pietrzak, spokesperson for the General Staff of the Polish Academy of Sciences. “This is due to the fact that the script “Steadfast Dart 2026” assumes the concentration of NATO forces in Central Europe, without entering the territory of the Republic of Poland”, he explains. Of course, in the event of a real conflict, allied troops would be directed primarily to the territory of Poland and the Baltic States. “In this scenario, the function of Poland would be to talk as a state-host, liable for accepting, securing and supporting allies,” concludes Colonel Pietrzak.
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