NATO trains to defend eastern flank: ten thousand troops in maneuvers in Germany

In northern Germany, one of the most important military exercises of the year, codenamed Steadfast Dart 26, has begun. The main objective of the operation is to demonstrate Alliance unity and verify the operational readiness of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF). The exercise scenario focuses on collective defense and simulating a response to potential aggression against the Baltic states. A key point was an amphibious operation at the Putlos training area, located opposite the island of Fehmarn. This phase involved 15 ships and nearly 2,600 troops, including specialized units from Turkey and Spain. The exercises were observed by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who emphasized that the Bündnis (Alliance) is fully capable of action. Since 2014, following Russia's annexation of Crimea, NATO states have regularly enhanced readiness along the eastern flank through systematic increases in the scale of exercises and rotational presence. Parallel to the coastal operations, the maneuvers moved into urban areas, which was felt by residents of Hanover. On Thursday, February 19, 2026, the military blocked key streets in the center of the capital of Lower Saxony, including areas around the Old Town Hall and Marktkirche church. The presence of hundreds of soldiers and heavy equipment in public spaces aims to practice logistics and troop movement in a complex urban environment. Experts indicate this is the first such large peacetime deployment of troops, constituting a clear deterrent signal directed at Moscow. The entire operation is coordinated by German General Ingo Gerhartz, and the involved forces include naval strike units, combat divers, and transport aviation. „The Alliance is united, is capable of action, and is ready to defend every centimeter of allied territory.” — Boris Pistorius Force Involvement in Steadfast Dart 26: All participants: 10000, Landing units: 2600, Number of ships: 15, Participating countries: 1310 000 — troops are participating in the year's largest maneuversLiberal media emphasize the importance of allied solidarity and the technological proficiency of the army in the context of the real threat from Russia. | Conservative media place greater emphasis on national sovereignty and the necessity of real funding for national armed forces within NATO.