In combined and joint operations, Allies conducted airdrops from Romanian skies of thousands of paratroopers along NATO’s eastern flank during U.S.-led exercise Swift Response 24. Within the framework of NATO’s ongoing Steadfast Defender 24 series of exercise, forces from the France, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain and United States participated in these air mobility demonstrations involving several thousand paratroopers jumping from U.S. C-17 as well as French and German A400M cargo aircraft.
The manoeuvres demonstrated NATO members’ collective capabilities to swiftly respond to an attack on an Ally. Through rapid and massive force projection employing several Allies’ aircraft and Special Forces, the exercise simulated the protection of NATO territory on the eastern flank. The drills involved inserting these forces behind enemy lines to effectively prepare and support defensive operations.
In total, 13,000 airborne troops participate in the month-long exercise that is conducted from the Baltics to the Balkans. Exercise Swift Response 24 is a U.S.-led exercise aimed at showcasing U.S. capabilities and cooperation with NATO Allies. Linked to NATO’s Steadfast Defender it is a clear demonstration of Alliance determination and capacity to implement and execute the deterrence and defence across the Euro-Atlantic area.
The combined joint training activities validate that the Allies possess the capacity to execute Joint Forcible Entry operations and are able to decisively manoeuvre and gain advantage in a dynamic security environment. The U.S. routinely and regularly conduct exercises with European Allies. The main objectives of these exercise are to enhance interoperability among Allies improving joint operational capability across a variety of mission sets.
