Germany to host NATO's largest exercise in 2026, Steadfast Dart 26
The largest NATO military exercises in 2026, called Steadfast Dart 26, are taking place mainly in Germany, which is serving as a key logistics centre. This was reported by the Alliance, according to DW.
The manoeuvres are aimed at testing the ability to quickly and coordinately move troops and equipment, as well as practising the redeployment of multinational units. The first contingent of Italian troops, along with weapons, equipment and transport, is expected to arrive on 15 January at the port of Emden in East Frisia in Lower Saxony.
According to Italian General Nicola Mandolesi, around 10,000 soldiers will arrive in Germany from that day onwards. The cargo ship Severine has already delivered approximately 2,200 pieces of equipment and materials to Emden, including dozens of military trucks, fuel tankers and jeeps. Other units of the Allied Reaction Force will also arrive by land and air.
The Alliance emphasises that these exercises demonstrate NATO's ability to move quickly from south to north and from west to east and confirm its readiness to act as a single effective bloc.
Eleven countries are participating in Steadfast Dart 26, including Italy, Greece, Germany, the Czech Republic, Spain, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Belgium and the United Kingdom. The United States did not join the manoeuvres. Land forces, aviation, naval forces, as well as space and cyber units are involved. The exercises involve more than 1,500 pieces of military equipment, more than 20 aircraft and fighter jets, and 17 naval units, including landing ships, frigates and submarines.
The central venue in February will be the Bergen training area in the Lüneburg Heath in Lower Saxony. Exercises will also take place on the Baltic Sea coast in Schleswig-Holstein, in particular at the Putlos training area, where an amphibious landing is planned to be demonstrated. As the host, the Bundeswehr will provide the allies with food, accommodation, medical care, technical support, legal advice and security. Bremen Airport will also be used for the arrival and departure of international partners.
Source and photo: DW.
