Multinational Battle Group Bulgaria conducted a joint exercise called “Alliance Wall”. Each of these units moved throughout the Novo Selo Firing Range in close coordination with each other to reach the main goal: interoperability of the new Battle Group. More than 50 different vehicles were employed during the training activity: Italian AIFV (Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle) “Freccia”, IFV “Freccia” Mortar Carrier, AIFV “Freccia” Spike, Hellenic ITV (Improved Tow Vehicle) M901, United States Bradley Fighting Vehicles and Bulgarian Army MT-LB Multipurpose Tracked armored vehicles.
In addition to that, a ground-based air defence system and tactical air controllers were deployed. The aim of this multinational event was designed to train the battle group to react in case of threat or any potential attacks and move on the ground in strict coordination between the units from different nations, and with different equipment and tactical technical procedures. The exercise was conducted in compliance with international laws and standards. This four-day activity involved almost all the units belonging to the Battle Group.
“It is a new great opportunity to work together and support each other. I’m proud to be the first Commander of this Battle Group, and it is notable opportunity to share experiences and procedures, thus becoming a significant deterrence in case of threat or attack. It is the best opportunity to demonstrate that we are NATO”, stated Col. Alaimo, Multinational Battle Group Cdr-
An important component of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture is military presence in the eastern part of Alliance territory. In recent years, Allies have enhanced NATO’s forward presence by establishing multinational battlegroups in Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. They have also sent more ships, planes and troops to NATO’s eastern flank, from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Black Sea in the south. These actions demonstrate Allies’ solidarity, determination and ability to defend Alliance territory and populations.