NATO to Stage Largest War Games Since Cold War – FT

• NATO to Stage Largest War Games Since Cold War – FT
  by https://www.rt.com/
  Some 41,000 troops in Germany, Poland, and the Baltics will take part in the Steadfast Defender exercise, the outlet has reported
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  NATO is poised to hold its largest military exercises since the Cold War era in Western Europe early next year, the Financial Times reported on Monday. The drills will simulate the bloc’s response to a hypothetical Russian invasion and are intended to increase readiness for such a scenario, according to the outlet.
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  Bearing the name Steadfast Defender, the exercises will involve around 41,000 troops, more than 50 ships, and between 500 and 700 combat air missions, according to the report. While the exercises are designed to simulate a clash with a fictional coalition named ‘Occasus,’ NATO officials told the FT that the maneuvers are “seen as a key part of demonstrating to Moscow that the alliance is prepared to fight.”
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  The exercises will reportedly take place in Germany, Poland, and the Baltic states, which border Russia, in February and March 2024. NATO-applicant Sweden will also be involved, the report said. The Nordic nation applied to join the bloc last year, but its application is still in limbo due to the reluctance of Türkiye and Hungary to ratify its bid, owing to a number of grievances in bilateral relations.
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  The FT also reported that NATO intends to hold two major war games a year instead of one. The exercise will also reportedly focus on counterterrorism efforts outside of the bloc’s borders.
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