The crisis around Greenland and the pressure from the Donald Trump administration served as a signal to re-examine the approach to defending sovereignty and territorial integrity for Europe. It is increasingly understood in Brussels that in a world where major powers openly question borders, the EU and NATO must act more decisively and with greater unity.
Redaksiya reports that NATO has launched "Steadfast Dart," its largest military exercise of the year. These drills aim to practice the rapid movement of troops and equipment in the event of a possible Russian attack on the Baltic states or Poland. The exercises begin against a backdrop of internal tensions within the Alliance following the dispute over Greenland.
Within the framework of "Steadfast Dart," NATO is deploying the Allied Reaction Force, a rapid response force designed for operational activities in crisis situations. The drills are led by Bundeswehr General Ingo Gerhartz, who is responsible for NATO forces in Central Europe. In an interview, Gerhartz stated that the command is conducting these exercises and is responsible for the defense of the Alliance's territory from the Atlantic coast to the Baltic states. "Steadfast Dart" demonstrates how important Germany is as NATO's defense center.
According to the newspaper "Bild," Germany plays a key role in the drills, effectively becoming NATO's main defense hub. More than 10,000 soldiers from 11 member states of the Alliance are being deployed to the country. As "Politico" previously wrote, Trump's threats regarding Greenland have changed Europe forever. There is no turning back. This was the main message from European leaders who gathered in Brussels on Thursday.
The "Steadfast Dart" exercises practice the rapid deployment of NATO forces in case of a threat from Russia, with Germany becoming the Alliance's main defense hub. The drills involve 17 ships, 20 military aircraft, and approximately 1,500 pieces of heavy equipment, including tanks, missile systems, and military trucks.