NATO practices defense of eastern flank: Major Steadfast Dart 26 maneuvers in the Baltic Sea

In northern Germany, in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, intensive military exercises Steadfast Dart 26 are underway. The maneuver scenario focuses on amphibious operations and rapid response in reaction to a potential aggression against the Baltic states. A key element of the exercises is the participation of Allied Reaction Force (ARF). In the area of Fehmarn island and the Putlos training ground, 15 naval vessels and approximately 2,600 soldiers from countries including Turkey and Spain are operating. Military personnel are training beach securing by combat divers, followed by the landing of heavy equipment and marine infantry. Since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO has progressively increased the scale and frequency of exercises on the eastern flank. These maneuvers aim not only to refine procedures but also to deter a potential aggressor by demonstrating unity and logistical efficiency.Military activities are not limited to coastal training grounds but have a tangible impact on the functioning of German cities. In Hanover, numerous traffic restrictions have been introduced, closing areas around the Old Town Hall and Marktkirche church. The presence of hundreds of soldiers and armored vehicles in the center of the Lower Saxon capital is part of a test of military mobility in urban terrain. The exercises were personally overseen by Boris Pistorius, the Federal Minister of Defense, who emphasized that the Alliance is united and ready to defend every square centimeter of member states' territory. These operations are commanded by General Ingo Gerhartz. „The Alliance is united, capable of action, and prepared to defend any ally at any time.” — Boris PistoriusSoldiers: 2600, Ships: 15, Total exercise personnel: 100002600 — soldiers are directly involved in the beach landing at Putlos Military experts note that the timing and location of the exercises are not accidental. The demonstration of force in the Baltic Sea is a direct signal towards the Kremlin. Poland and the Baltic states have long advocated for a permanent presence of spearhead troops on their territories. Maneuvers like Steadfast Dart 26 prove that the deployment of large tactical units from Southern and Western Europe is possible within just a few hours.Liberal media emphasize the importance of international cooperation and NATO unity in the face of imperial threats from Russia. | Conservative media highlight the need for further armament and a real, permanent presence of US troops on the eastern flank instead of just exercises.