Slovakia joining biggest NATO exercise since Cold War

Slovakia joining biggest NATO exercise since Cold War

In the coming weeks Slovak soldiers are going to participate in NATO's largest military exercise, TASR learnt from Defence Ministry spokeswoman Danka Capáková, who also said that it will be the most extensive exercise of the Alliance since the end of the Cold War with up to 45,000 soldiers.

"Our soldiers, together with their colleagues from partner countries, will practice NATO's ability to plan and implement the contents of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, from tactical training of troops to command structures," said Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš (Slovak National Party/SNS). "Such exercises are indispensable for the unity and interoperability of the Alliance," he said.

According to Capáková, the NATO exercise will be divided into two separate parts. "Within the exercise of the staff (TRJ18 CPX), five Slovak soldiers in Italy will be involved in planning and co-ordinating intelligence activities, setting targets, logistics of air operations, using air defence elements, as well as managing fire support," said the spokeswoman, adding that another four will be involved in the field part (TRJE18 LIVEX) in Norway fulfilling specific tasks in relation to planning and managing a ground and air operation, RCHBO (radiation, chemical and biological protection) activities, protection of one's own forces and medical support for the operation.

Members of the Slovak Armed Forces will participate in the Trident Juncture 2018 exercise with soldiers of 31 NATO allied and partner countries. According to Capáková, approximately 150 aircraft, 70 ships and more than 10,000 vehicles will be used during the exercise, set to be held from October 25 to November 23.


Gavin Shoebridge, Photo: TASR

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