STEADFAST DEFENDER 2024

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Context

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) started its largest military exercise in Europe, the Steadfast Defender 2024.

Details

Steadfast Defender 2024:

• The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) launched its largest military exercise in Europe in decades.
• Phase 1 (January – March): Focuses on maritime reinforcement across the Atlantic and the Arctic, involving live exercises and amphibious assault training.
• Phase 2 (Mid-February – May): Emphasizes multi-domain operations across Europe, testing rapid troop deployment within NATO borders.
• It involves 90,000 forces from 31 member countries and NATO partner Sweden and is conducted across various NATO nations.
• The exercise will feature an impressive array of military hardware, including over 50 naval vessels ranging from aircraft carriers to destroyers, and a formidable air contingent of more than 80 units comprising fighter jets, helicopters, and drones.
• The ground forces are equally robust, with at least 1,100 combat vehicles, including 133 tanks and 533 infantry fighting vehicles, demonstrating NATO’s ground capabilities.
• The purpose of Steadfast Defender 2024 is to put NATO's new regional defense plans to the test.

Against Russian Aggression

• While NATO officials emphasize the exercise’s defensive nature, experts view it as a strategic deterrent against Russian expansionism, particularly in Ukraine. The exercise sends a clear message to the Kremlin, showcasing NATO’s resolve to safeguard its members and deter further Russian aggression.
• Against the backdrop of Steadfast Defender 2024, international support to Ukraine remains steadfast.

NATO

• Formed in 1949 with the signing of the Washington Treaty, NATO is a security alliance of 31 countries from North America and Europe.
• NATO’s fundamental goal is to safeguard the Allies’ freedom and security by political and military means.
• It is a system of collective defence where independent member states agree for mutual defence in case of any attack by an external party.
• Article 5 of the Washington Treaty states that an attack against one ally is an attack against all. This article forms the core of the Alliance, a promise of collective defense.
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.

Functions:

• NATO promotes democratic values and enables members to consult and cooperate on defence and security-related issues to solve problems, build trust, and, in the long run, prevent conflict.
• NATO is committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes. If diplomatic efforts fail, it has the military power to undertake crisis-management operations. These are carried out under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty or under a United Nations mandate, alone or in cooperation with other countries and international organizations.

PRACTICE QUESTION What is the primary purpose of NATO? Economic cooperation Cultural exchange Mutual defense Environmental protection Answer C