Tag: NATO allies

NATO Launches BALTOPS Baltic Sea Naval Exercise

German frigate Sachsen-Anhalt | File Photo: Hauke-Christian Dittrich/dpa

NATO has launched the BALTOPS naval exercise in the Baltic Sea, involving more than 6,000 personnel, 30 vessels and 15 countries. The drills focus on protecting maritime traffic, freedom of navigation and regional security.

German-Dutch Corps to Lead NATO Baltic HQ

A Dutch soldier and a German soldier from the 1st German-Dutch Corps show off their patches | File Photo: Guido Kirchner/dpa

Germany and the Netherlands will jointly lead a new NATO command centre in Estonia from mid-2026. The headquarters will oversee exercises and help coordinate defence operations on NATO’s eastern flank.

German Brigade Holds First Major Lithuania Drill

The 45th German Armoured Brigade Litauen (Panzerbrigade 45) transporting vehicles for Exercise Freedom Shield | Photo: 45th German Armoured Brigade Litauen (Panzerbrigade 45)/Lithuanian Armed Forces

German troops, Leopard tanks and other military equipment have arrived in Lithuania for the first major exercise involving Germany’s new brigade. The Freedom Shield drill brings together NATO forces to train near Russia’s borders.

Sweden Holds Baltic Defence Exercise

Swedish and allied troops on Gotland Island during Exercise Aurora 26 | Photo: Swedish Armed Forces

Sweden is conducting the Aurora 26 military exercise with NATO allies and Ukraine, focusing on the defence of Gotland and the Baltic Sea region. The drills involve 18,000 personnel and test allied reinforcement, logistics and drone warfare cooperation.