NATO is conducting its largest military exercise in Europe since the Cold War, involving 90,000 personnel, 50+ naval assets, 80+ aircraft and 1,100+ combat vehicles from all 31 NATO Allies, as well as partner Sweden.
The exercises are taking place in phases over several months, between January and May 2024, with the dual purpose of refining defence plans and acting as a deterrent against potential aggression from near adversaries – a thinly disguised signal to Russia.
During the initial phase, the focus will be on maritime reinforcement across the Atlantic and in the Arctic. The second phase will shift to using deployed reinforcements across all domains, from the Arctic to the Eastern Flank. The Royal Navy will be deploying a Carrier Strike Group, with HMS Prince of Wales embarking F-35B Lightning jets and helicopters.