NATO has launched the largest exercise since the Cold War, known as Steadfast Defender 2024, following the departure of US Navy dock landing ship Gunston Hall from port, Reuters reports.
The exercise, which will run through May, will involve over 90,000 troops from the United States and NATO allies and include more than 50 ships, 80 fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and at least 1,100 combat vehicles.
The drills will rehearse NATO’s regional defense plans in response to potential threats. Although NATO did not explicitly mention Russia, its top strategic document identifies Russia as the most significant and direct threat to NATO members’ security.
The exercise comes amid heightened tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko characterized the exercises as an “irrevocable return” of NATO to Cold War schemes.
