Posted BY: Jasmine | NwoReport

NATO is preparing for its most extensive military exercises since the Cold War, aiming to simulate a potential Russian invasion and enhance its readiness for such a scenario. The drills, known as Steadfast Defender, will involve approximately 41,000 troops, over 50 ships, and between 500 to 700 combat air missions. These exercises are designed to prepare for a fictional coalition named ‘Occasus’ and send a clear message to Moscow about NATO’s preparedness for any conflict.

The exercises are scheduled in Germany, Poland, and the Baltic states during February and March 2024. In addition to NATO member countries, Sweden will participate despite its pending NATO membership application due to objections from Turkey and Hungary.

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This initiative marks a shift in NATO’s training strategy, with the alliance planning to conduct two major war games each year instead of one. Furthermore, the exercise will emphasize counterterrorism efforts beyond NATO’s borders.

In response to the Ukraine conflict, NATO announced the deployment of 300,000 troops in June 2022, describing it as the most significant overhaul of collective defense and deterrence since the Cold War.

NATO’s upcoming Steadfast Defender military exercises significantly shift the alliance’s readiness and training strategy. With a focus on simulating a potential Russian invasion and expanding counterterrorism efforts, NATO aims to showcase its preparedness and resolve, particularly in light of tensions with Moscow. Despite its pending NATO membership, Sweden’s participation highlights the importance of these exercises.

However, Russia has consistently expressed concerns about NATO’s military buildup near its borders, viewing it as a threat and a source of increased regional tension. Moscow has warned against further NATO expansion, citing the Ukraine conflict as an example of the risks associated with closer ties between former Soviet states and the alliance. As NATO continues to adapt and evolve its training and readiness, tensions between the alliance and Russia remain a central issue in European security.