US Army states its largest training exercise in Europe - Pentagon
The US Army has started its largest training exercise in Europe (photo: GettyImages)
The Pentagon has stated that the US Army's ground forces are participating in the Steadfast Defender 24 exercises. They will continue until May 31, according to a briefing by Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder and the NATO website.
The training program will respond to threats in the event of Russia's war against Ukraine. According to the Pentagon spokesperson, the U.S. has sent the military ship USS Gunston Hall with equipment for this event.
"Today also marks the official start of Defender '24, the largest US Army exercise in Europe, as ships depart the United States carrying equipment for the event," Ryder said.
According to the alliance, Steadfast Defender 24 will demonstrate NATO's ability to rapidly deploy forces from North America and other parts of the Alliance to strengthen the defense of Europe.
"The Alliance will demonstrate its ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area via trans-Atlantic movement of forces from North America. Steadfast Defender 2024 will be a clear demonstration of our unity, strength, and determination to protect each other, our values, and the rules-based international order, " said General Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).
The exercises will take place in several locations and will last until May 31, 2024. These will be the first large-scale NATO exercises to implement new defense plans.
"It will show that NATO can conduct and sustain complex multi-domain operations over several months, across thousands of kilometers, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe, and in any conditions," the alliance said.
NATO's response to Russian threats
Earlier, we reported that NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg responded to whether NATO was monitoring Russia's preparation for a possible new offensive.
Stoltenberg also outlined how NATO would assist Ukraine in preparing for a Russian offensive.
US Permanent Representative to NATO Julianne Smith stated that the alliance is enhancing the defense of the Baltic countries.
