In Poland, the "largest" ground forces exercises in Europe in 2024, named "Dragon-24," have begun, involving 20,000 servicemen from various NATO countries.
It is known that the Polish Dragon-24 exercises are part of the NATO Steadfast Defender-24 military maneuvers, which are the "largest" Alliance exercises since the end of the Cold War.
The Steadfast Defender-24 exercises, which run from January 22nd to the end of May, take place from the Atlantic to NATO's eastern flank, including Poland. The exercise scenario involves a conflict with a "comparably strong adversary."
In the Steadfast Defender-24 exercises, 90,000 personnel are participating, including military personnel from all NATO countries and Sweden, along with approximately 50 military ships, 80 aircraft, and 1,100 combat vehicles. According to the Polish Armed Forces Headquarters, these military maneuvers represent the "largest demonstration of Alliance defense capability and that of its member states." It is also emphasized that all exercises "have a defensive nature and are not directed against any country."
Meanwhile, in the Dragon-24 exercises, in addition to Polish military units, servicemen from Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Albania are also participating. Overall, about 20,000 individuals are involved: 15,000 Polish army servicemen and 5,000 servicemen from selected NATO countries, primarily the United States and the United Kingdom. Up to 3,500 military vehicles will be involved in the exercises.
"The troops will be tested for cooperation and performance of combat tasks on land, in the air, and at sea. In addition to military actions in the mentioned areas, military operations will also be conducted in cyberspace," according to the Polish Armed Forces Headquarters.
