28 June 2006

NATO Response Force passes its last test 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 Background NATO Response Force Multimedia NATO - NATO Response Force (NRF) Exercise “Steadfast Jaguar” in the Cape Verde Islands With the conclusion of the active phase of Exercise Steadfast Jaguar on 28 June, the NATO Response Force (NRF) passed its last test before it is due to become fully operational in October. Held in Cape Verde , the exercise involved some 7000 sailors, soldiers and airmen in various simulated operations including a demonstration of force and a relief operation following a humanitarian disaster. The exercise is the first to bring together the land, sea and air components of the NRF. Once operational, it will give the Alliance the ability to deploy up to 25 000 troops within five days anywhere in the world. According to the Director of the Allied Press and Information Center, Petter Lindqvist, the exercise achieved its main goals. “Concerning the logistics part, the deployment of troops and equipment to a remote location within a short timeframe, I think we have proved that we are fully capable. The same goes for the sustainment of our force over a longer period of time in theatre,” the Norwegian Lieutenant Colonel said. Nearly 100 journalists attended the exercise. Mostly from Europe, the group included journalists from Russia , Japan and South Africa .