On March 14, NATO will launch a large-scale military exercise, Cold Response 2022, in Norway, a few hundred kilometers from the Russian border, “Espresso” reports citing BBC.
This will be the largest exercise involving NATO troops this year. About 30,000 soldiers, 200 aircraft, and 50 ships from 27 countries are expected to participate.
It is noted that the maneuvers will allow Western nations to improve their combat skills in the cold climate of Norway, including the Arctic, on land, at sea, and in the sky.
The exercises will take place a few hundred kilometers from the Russian border. Although they were planned long before Russia invaded Ukraine, they are now gaining additional importance due to the war.
“These exercises are essential for the safety of Norway and its allies. We will practice allied strengthening of Norway,” the Minister of Defense of Norway, Odd Roger Enoksen, stressed.
The exercise is expected to end on April 1.
Norway has not transferred weapons to non-NATO countries since the 1950s. However, after the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, it changed this strict policy and handed over 2,000 anti-tank grenade launchers to Ukraine.
Russia attacked Ukraine after joint military exercises with Belarus on the border with Ukraine.