Steadfast Defender Explained

Steadfast Defender is the name of a series of NATO exercises. The latest exercise, being held in 2024, is the largest since the Cold War.^[1] The first one was held in 2021, and they are planned to be held every three years.^[2]

Maneuver by year

2021

• 12 May 2021–2 June 2021 with 9,000 soldiers.^[3]

2024

See main article: Steadfast Defender 2024.

• 22 January 2024–31 May 2024 Steadfast Defender 2024 with 90,000 soldiers,^[4] including troops from the NATO accession candidate Sweden.

See also

• List of NATO exercises
• Exercise Reforger ("REturn of FORces to GERmany")
• Exercise Trident Juncture 2018 (in Norway)

Notes and References

1. News: 2024-01-18. 2024-01-16. en-US. UK bringing 20,000 troops to upcoming exercise with America and other NATO allies.
2. Web site: Überraschung, NATO-Großübung! (Nachtrag: Heeresinspekteur) – Augen geradeaus! . 2024-07-13 . augengeradeaus.net.
3. Web site: Exercise 'Steadfast Defender 2021' to test NATO's new command structure . 2024-01-19 . Janes.com . 11 May 2021 . en.
4. Web site: tagesschau.de . Ukraine-Liveblog: ++ NATO beginnt Großmanöver ++ . 2024-01-22 . tagesschau.de . de.