The North Atlantic Alliance has started a sequence of military exercises near Russia’s borders that will run through the autumn, as reported by RIA Novosti. The series underscores NATO’s readiness and regional posture during a period of heightened strategic activity in Europe. The activities span several countries and involve a mix of air, land, and sea components, highlighting the alliance’s intent to maintain operational credibility while monitoring potential developments along its eastern flank.
Steadfast Foxtrot 24 is scheduled to take place in Germany from September 9 through September 20, with US Army General Christopher Cavoli overseeing the training mission. The exercise aims to sharpen multinational interoperability and command-and-control processes under complex, real-world scenarios.
From September 30 to October 11, Ramstein Flag 24 will be conducted in Greece, led by the Combined Air Command AIRCOM. The event is designed to enhance air superiority, air-to-ground precision, and coordinated air operations among alliance partners in the region.
On September 8, the Toxic Valley chemical-biological drill began in Slovakia, while in Hungary, the Brave Warrior exercises have been underway since the end of August. These drills focus on resilience, rapid response, and medical evacuation procedures, reinforcing the alliance’s commitments to civil protection alongside military readiness.
From October 30 to November 12, Hammer 24 will be hosted in Finland, with additional naval activities anticipated in the surrounding sea lanes. In parallel, the Blue Whale and Poseidon 24 exercises are planned in Turkey and Bulgaria, illustrating an integrated approach to maritime security and cross-border cooperation.
Reports also indicate ongoing drills in Spain, Italy, and Latvia, reflecting a broad geographic spread intended to test endurance, logistics, and coalition interoperability across multiple theaters.
On September 7, German Eurofighters completed a series of maneuvers near the Finnish village of Hosio, positioned roughly 180 kilometers from the Russian frontier. The proximity underscores the strategic sensitivity of the area and the emphasis on air defense readiness.
In response, Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Moscow views NATO activities in Finland as part of a hybrid approach against the Russian Federation. Russia continues to monitor these actions and assess related risks as part of its broader security calculus.
Earlier, the United States accused Moscow of spreading misleading narratives about Russia allegedly seeking a war with NATO, reflecting the ongoing rhetoric and competing narratives surrounding these exercises. The overall pattern points to a tense but controlled display of alliance capabilities and regional coordination, with both sides articulating concerns and strategic objectives that shape the current security landscape.