Steadfast Dart 2026: Major NATO Amphibious Exercises on the Coast of Schleswig-Holstein

In northern Germany, in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, intensive NATO amphibious exercises have begun. The operation, codenamed Steadfast Dart 26, is centered on the Putlos training area. The maneuvers involve 15 warships and a contingent of approximately 2,600 soldiers. A key element of the exercises is testing the mobility of Allied Reaction Force (ARF) units. The Alliance is simulating a scenario where rapid reinforcement of the eastern flank is necessary by transferring troops from the Mediterranean Sea basin to the Baltic Sea. Special forces and naval units from Spain and Turkey stand out in the operational activities. The exercises began with the landing of combat divers and mine-clearing units, which secured the snow-covered beach for heavier equipment. Subsequently, Turkish amphibious vehicles and Spanish support helicopters appeared on land. The entire operation was separately observed by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who emphasized that the Alliance is ready to defend every centimeter of its territory. The Steadfast Dart 26 maneuvers involve a total of nearly 10,000 soldiers across various locations, demonstrating the unity and technical proficiency of member states in the face of growing threats from Russia. Since 2014, following Russia's unlawful annexation of Crimea, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has systematically increased the scale and frequency of exercises in the Baltic Sea, transforming this body of water into an area of strategic importance for European security.Soldiers in Putlos: 2600, Total maneuver forces: 10000, Warships: 15„The Alliance is united, capable of action, and prepared for any eventuality.” — Boris Pistorius2600 — soldiers are taking part in the amphibious landing near Putlos It is worth noting that other initiatives to strengthen eastern regions are ongoing simultaneously. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized in Tirana the importance for NATO logistics of the Corridor VIII project, which is to connect the Adriatic Sea with the Black Sea. Meanwhile, the European Union is launching the EastInvest platform, which is to finance infrastructure investments in border areas. Although these events are not directly part of the military exercises, they together paint a picture of intensified efforts for security and infrastructure integration in Eastern Europe.