Off the coast of Schleswig-Holstein, nearly 2,500 NATO troops participated in a spectacular amphibious operation. The drills at the Putlos training area, observed by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, are a key component of the larger Steadfast Dart 26 exercises. Their goal is to test the Allied Reaction Force's ability to rapidly reinforce NATO's eastern flank, including the Baltic states, in the event of external aggression.

Allied Forces Amphibious Landing

Nearly 2,500 soldiers from Spain and Turkey practiced landing on the German coast under the command of General Ingo Gerhartz.

Steadfast Dart 26 Exercises

The maneuvers are part of larger operations involving 10,000 soldiers, aimed at defending NATO's eastern flank.

Securing the Baltic Sea

The operation involved the use of combat divers, amphibious assault vehicles, and helicopters to secure the beach at Putlos.

On the Baltic Sea coast, near the town of Putlos, large-scale amphibious operation drills took place. The maneuvers, part of the broader Steadfast Dart 26 program, involved approximately 2,500 soldiers from naval and special forces. The main objective was to rehearse a scenario for the rapid deployment of troops to defend NATO's eastern flank. The operation, which included units from Spain and Turkey, was overseen by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and General Ingo Gerhartz. The scenario assumed that in the event of a Russian attack on the Baltic states, the Allied Reaction Force must be able to immediately secure strategic coastal sectors. The exercises began with precise terrain securing by combat divers and minesweeper units. Only after the waters were cleared did special forces arrive on fast motorboats, followed by heavy equipment, including Turkish amphibious assault vehicles. The overall operation ultimately involves nearly 10,000 soldiers across all of Germany. Commanders emphasize that efficient logistics and the ability to offload heavy equipment directly onto an unprepared beach are crucial for deterring a potential aggressor in the Baltic Sea region. Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO has systematically increased the number of drills in the Baltic Sea basin, which, following the accession of Finland and Sweden, has become an internal sea of the Alliance.Command highlights that the level of coordination between allies from Southern Europe and host nations in the north is steadily increasing. „The Alliance is united, capable of action, and ready to defend every centimeter of its territory.” — Boris Pistorius The maneuvers also aim to test new command structures intended to replace the existing rapid reaction forces, offering even greater flexibility in crisis situations. Experts note that the choice of the Putlos training area was not accidental, as its terrain perfectly simulates conditions NATO forces might encounter in Estonia or Lithuania.

Mentioned People

  • Boris Pistorius — German Defense Minister observing NATO maneuvers in Putlos.
  • Ingo Gerhartz — German general, a commander involved in coordinating the Steadfast Dart operation.