About 90,000 military personnel from all countries of the North Atlantic Alliance are taking part in the Steadfast Defender 2024 military exercises, during which they plan to improve NATO's defense plans to strengthen European security against a potential adversary.

The exercises will be held until May 31 in two phases: the first phase will focus on maritime reinforcement across the Atlantic and in the Arctic, and the second, which will take place from mid-February to the end of May, will focus on strengthening defenses in all spheres from the Arctic to the eastern flank. .

The exercises are held in several key European countries - along the borders with Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

In particular, development of defense plans will take place in Finland, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden and Great Britain.

The US Department of Defense reported that the exercises will involve F-35, FA-18, Harriers, F-15, helicopters and many unmanned aerial vehicles, more than 1,100 combat vehicles, including more than 150 tanks, 500 BMP and 400 armored personnel carriers.

The scenario of the exercise is developed on the basis of events that may occur according to Article 5 of the NATO charter, "caused by a fictitious attack on the alliance launched by a close enemy."

At the same time, the organization stated that these exercises are not directed against any specific country.

"In an unpredictable security environment, we must remain ready to contain all threats and protect all allies.

[...] Steadfast Defender has been planned for years, but the exercises include defense plans based on Russia's actions," the report notes.

The US Department of Defense noted that Russia launched the biggest war in Europe since World War II when it invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

"Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine will shape our understanding of the conflict for many years," the report notes.

NATO's European Command said the Steadfast Defender exercise is a historic moment for the organization as it demonstrates transatlantic unity, strength and resolve in the face of new security challenges.

"As tensions persist in Eastern Europe, these exercises send a clear signal that NATO is ready to protect its members, its values ​​and support collective security in the Euro-Atlantic region," the official statement said.

What preceded the teachings

On January 30, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland, which are part of NATO, signed a treaty aimed at preventing obstacles to the rapid movement of troops and weapons across the border along one of the main corridors from the North Sea to NATO's eastern flank.

As reported by the Reuters agency, this was done as part of preparations for the start of a military conflict with Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In such a case, it is envisaged that the USA and other NATO allies will send large military reinforcements through the ports of the North Sea, Germany and Poland to the eastern front.

On January 30, it became known about the increase of Canada's military presence in Latvia.

From the beginning of 2024, Germany is increasing its military presence in Lithuania.