NATO to hold largest military exercise since Cold War

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is preparing to hold its largest military exercise since the Cold War, according to the Financial Times.

It is expected that at least 41,000 soldiers and more than 50 warships will participate in the military exercise called “Loyal Guardian”. This exercise will present 500 to 700 hypothetical scenarios, aiming to create combat experience to help the army easily approach real situations.

The purpose of the exercise is “to try to repel Russian aggression against one of the alliance’s member states.” NATO said the exercise was an important part of demonstrating to Moscow the alliance’s combat readiness.

According to the Financial Times, the exercise will take place in Germany, Poland and the Baltic states in February and March 2024. In addition to the 31 NATO member states, there will also be a presence from Sweden – a country that is waiting for Turkey and Hungary to accept membership in the alliance.

In June 2023, NATO held its largest air defense exercise in history, Air Defender 2023, in Germany. A total of 10,000 troops and 250 aircraft from 25 countries participated in the exercise, with the United States contributing about 100 aircraft and Germany 70 aircraft. This air defense exercise was intended to demonstrate NATO's defense capabilities and was not aimed at any specific country.