NATO exercise Steadfast Dart 25 in full swing

NATO's Steadfast Dart 25, considered the biggest NATO exercise this year, is in full swing in Bulgaria, Greece and Romania.

The exercise began last month and involves the mobilization of 10.000 troops from nine allied countries. An activity open to journalists took place today at the Smardan firing range in Galati county.

The exercise is led by the Combined Allied Command Naples and involves the operational deployment for the first time of the Allied Reaction Force, which was set up last year on July 1.

It is a deployment exercise of the Allied Rapid Reaction Force, demonstrating the North Atlantic Alliance's readiness to mobilize and rapidly deploy forces to defend its borders.

More than 10.000 troops, more than 1.500 ground combat vehicles and more than 20 airplanes and helicopters, plus 17 ships and submarines, are taking part in the exercise, with combat sequences planned in air, water and land, as well as in cyberspace.

The mission is to test the ability of the allied armed forces to mobilize and move in good time and in all conditions, over a record area of 1.000 square meters.

Romania is taking part in the exercise with around 1.150 soldiers and 120 combat assets. Steadfast Dart 25 is considered NATO's biggest exercise this year and is designed to test the speed of reaction, strength and border defense power of the allied forces.

Translated by: Radu Matei