NATO Exercise Steadfast Javelin II tests Allied interoperability

  • 08 Sep. 2014 -
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  • Last updated: 08 Sep. 2014 16:25

NATO-led Exercise Steadfast Javelin II wrapped up on Monday (8 September 2014) after a week of intensive training which involved over 2,000 troops from 10 Allied nations. The exercise, which took place in Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, focused on strengthening interoperability between air and ground forces through airborne and air assault missions. "With this exercise NATO sent the clear message that it is committed and ready to protect member nations’ territory at any time,” General Hans-Lothar Domröse, Commander Joint Forces Command Brunssum (JFCB) said.

Air and ground forces gathered at Ramstein Airbase in Germany at the start of the exercise on 2 September to begin planning, rehearsals and the loading of equipment ahead of the training missions. Around 500 paratroopers were dropped on 6-7 September over Lielvarde Airbase, in Latvia, to take control and clear the airfield of enemy forces as part of the exercise. Around 160 paratroopers, plus Howitzer artillery, were dropped in a similar operation in Lithuania. The drops were combined with air-assault raids which took place in Poland, Latvia and Lithuania, to see how well NATO air and ground troops work together.

At the Wales Summit, NATO leaders agreed that the Alliance needs to ensure its forces remain modern, robust and capable to meet current and future challenges. They agreed to set up a new high readiness force and agreed to enhance and reinforce training and exercises.

For further information: Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum