15 June 2006

NATO tests expeditionary force External link Website of Exercise "Steadfast Jaguar 2006" News 21 Jun. 06 - NATO Inferno threat in exercise scenario 21 Jun. 06 - NATO North Atlantic Council to observe NRF Exercise in Cape Verde 29 Jun. 06 - MOD Portugal Portuguese hydrographical ship “Schultz Xavier” participates in the Steadfast Jaguar 2006 exercise Background NATO Response Force Multimedia Video of the NATO Response Force (NRF) Exercise “Steadfast Jaguar” in the Cape Verde Islands NATO - NATO Response Force (NRF) Exercise “Steadfast Jaguar” in the Cape Verde Islands A major exercise in the Cape Verde Islands, 15-28 June, will test the readiness of NATO’s cutting-edge Response Force to carry out missions anywhere required at very short notice. Exercise Steadfast Jaguar is the first time that the various components – land, air and sea – come together in one exercise. It is also the last test of the Force before it is due to become fully operational in October this year. Once fully operational, the Response Force will give the Alliance the ability to deploy up to 25,000 troops within five days anywhere in the world to tackle the full range of missions, from humanitarian relief to major combat operations. Far from home, little support The exercise location – the Cape Verde Archipelago - was chosen specifically to test the Force’s ability to carry out complex missions far away from home with little support from the host nation. The fictitious scenario includes a demonstration of force and a relief operation following a natural disaster. Some 7,000 sailors, soldiers and airmen from the Response Force are taking part in the exercise.