Thousands of soldiers to take part in NATO war games on border
NATO announced on Tuesday that thousands of soldiers from the alliance’s member states will participate in war games along the alliance’s eastern border. The exercise, which will be held in early September, aims to strengthen NATO’s military readiness and capabilities in the face of growing security concerns in the region.
The war games, known as “Dragoon Ride 22,” will involve approximately 5,000 soldiers from NATO member countries, including the United States, Canada, Poland, and other eastern European nations. The exercise will take place on the alliance’s eastern border, which stretches from the Baltic States to the Black Sea.
During the exercise, the soldiers will conduct a range of military maneuvers, including combat training, tank battles, and air support operations. The drills will be designed to test NATO’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to potential threats, such as a large-scale Russian military invasion.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised the exercise, saying that it will demonstrate the alliance’s “commitment to collective defense” and “resolve to defend our member countries against any threat.” The exercise will also serve as a warning to potential adversaries, he added, that NATO is prepared to defend its members.
The war games come as tensions between NATO and Russia continue to escalate, particularly over issues such as Ukraine’s sovereignty and the deployment of US missile defense systems in Eastern Europe. The exercise is seen as a key element in NATO’s efforts to deter Russian aggression and maintain stability in the region.
The exact details of the war games, including the location and duration of the exercise, have not been released. However, NATO officials have confirmed that the exercise will be held in a joint training area along the alliance’s eastern border, and that it will involve a range of military units, including ground, air, and naval forces.