Massive NATO Exercises Begin in Europe's Eastern Flank Amidst Russian Assault on Ukraine

NATO member countries are conducting massive military exercises DEFENDER EUROPE 2022 (DE22) and SWIFT RESPONSE 2022 (SR22) in Europe’s eastern flank this month.

The exercises will be held from May 1 to May 27. There will be approximately 18,000 participants from over 20 countries training together in both exercises. The portion of the exercises on Polish soil will see some 7,000 troops and 3,000 pieces of equipment, Polish defense ministry said in a statement.

DEFENDER-Europe 22 is a multinational, regular joint and combined exercise organized by the U.S. Armed Forces to build preparedness and interoperability between Allies and partners of the USA and NATO.

The Armed Forces of USA, France, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Great Britain and Poland will also participate with the 5th Corps of the US Armed Forces responsible for command and control. During the exercise, the troops’ ability to cooperate in a joint combat operation will be put to test using various training episodes including long-distance tactical marches, bridging rivers and live fire training.

In the Swift Response exercise, the 6th Airborne Brigade will constitute core of forces conducting an airborne operation. Some 550 Polish soldiers will be deployed to Lithuania and Latvia along with troops from the Czech Republic and the German-Dutch force.

DE22 and SR 22 belong to a series of regular, defensive trainings. “They are not aimed against any country and are not related to the current geopolitical situation in the region. The national and international planning process for both exercises began in early 2021,” the Polish MoD added.

Also read: Poland Bats for Heavy weapons, Equipment to Kyiv at Ukraine Defense Consultative Group Meeting

The deployment of large numbers of forces and equipment in these exercises requires a multi-faceted commitment on the part of the host nations.

Joint combined exercises such as these enhance the security of the NATO Eastern Flank through a training in accordance with NATO standards and procedures. They also allow for the adaptation of these rules and standards to meet new and emerging challenges at the contemporary battlefield in order to deter a potential aggressor.