Steadfast Defender 24: NATO Kicks Off Largest Military Exercise in 40 Years, Involving 90,000 Troops from 31 Alliance Members

According to officials, the Gunston Hall, a US Navy dock landing ship, set sail on Wednesday to kick off the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War.

Approximately 90,000 soldiers from the United States and other NATO allied nations are scheduled to participate in the Steadfast Defender 2024 exercises, which will take place in May.A vast array of naval vessels, aircraft, and combat vehicles will be participating in the event.

NATO Kicks Off Military Exercise Steadfast Defender 24

(Photo : HRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
US soldiers stand next to a Blackhawk helicopter during the US army Europe and Africa-directed exercise Combined Resolve 19 at the Hohenfels trainings area, southern Germany, on October 24, 2023. Combined Resolve is a recurring exercise designed to prepare a US brigade combat team in support of NATO deterrence initiatives while also developing and enhancing NATO and key partners interoperability and readiness across specified warfighting functions.

Over 50 ships, including aircraft carriers and destroyers, will be joined by more than 80 fighter jets, helicopters, and drones. Additionally, there will be at least 1,100 combat vehicles, consisting of 133 tanks and 533 infantry fighting vehicles.

The drills will simulate NATO's implementation of its regional plans, which are the alliance's first defense plans in decades. These plans outline NATO's response to a potential Russian attack, as per Reuters.

NATO made its announcement without specifically naming any country. However, the top strategic document highlights Russia as the primary and immediate concern for the security of NATO members.

The exercise is taking place during a critical time, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has sparked the deadliest conflict in Europe in over seven decades.In remarks published on Sunday, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko expressed his view that NATO's Steadfast Defender 2024 exercises signify a significant shift towards Cold War strategies for the alliance. NATO is preparing for its most extensive military exercise since the conclusion of the Cold War with Steadfast Defender 24.

"Steadfast Defender 2024 will showcase our unwavering unity, resilience, and resolve to safeguard one another, our principles, and the internationally recognized system of governance," stated General Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

The Steadfast Defender 24 exercises, meticulously planned over the course of several years, will showcase NATO's impressive capability to swiftly deploy forces from North America and other Alliance members, bolstering Europe's defense.

The drills are designed to replicate the Alliance's reaction to a potential attack from a nation like Russia. They will consist of a series of small exercises held in different locations, spanning from North America to NATO's eastern flank, which is in close proximity to the Russian border.

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NATO's Support For Ukraine Amidst War With Russia

In the face of waning American backing in the conflict, NATO remains steadfast in its commitment to Ukraine. The NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, revealed on Tuesday the intention to finalize contracts worth $1.2 billion for the large-scale production of artillery ammunition, intended for use in Ukraine.

The total amount of NATO spending on various artillery shells in Ukraine has reached $10 billion since the start of its Defense Production Action Plan last July. Stoltenberg mentioned that NATO has scheduled a significant military demonstration later this week.

The Exercise Steadfast Defender operation will unite around 90,000 forces from all 31 Allies and Sweden, making it the largest military exercise since the Cold War. He emphasizes the importance of showcasing NATO's unity and strength, as well as their unwavering commitment to protecting and defending one another.

It remains uncertain if this significant symbolic display in Europe will achieve its desired impact on Moscow. Throughout the war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently maintained his stance and shown no indication of altering his objectives.

The number of Russian casualties in Ukraine has reached a staggering level, surpassing the initial deployment of troops in 2022. The Russian army is facing significant challenges, including issues with health, morale, and soldiers leaving their posts. Ukraine has experienced significant casualties, but it has largely relied on the support of Western powers to sustain itself.

Amidst significant losses and dwindling backing from the United States, NATO's display of resolve and ongoing commitment to Ukraine could provide the necessary momentum to overcome the Russian aggressor and bring an end to the conflict, The Washington examiner reported.