Deputy Defence Chief: Steadfast Dart exercise clear demonstration of adapting Nato’s deterrence capabilities
Nato’s Steadfast Dart 25 exercise demonstrates the Alliance’s intention to improve its procedures in order to shorten the time for deploying allied forces on Nato’s south-eastern flank, Bulgaria’s Deputy Defence Chief Lieutenant General Mikhail Popov said on February 13.
“It is a clear demonstration of adapting Nato’s deterrence capabilities and, if necessary, building a sustainable defence of the entire Nato area,” Popov said.
Popov was speaking at a media day at the Trnacha training centre. He observed Bulgarian and Spanish special forces operations and was accompanied by several general officers from Nato commands and countries.
The Steadfast Dart 2025 exercise is being held from January 8 to February 22 in Bulgaria, Greece and Romania and involves more than 10 000 military personnel from nine Nato member states. In Bulgaria, separate episodes of the exercise are being held in five military districts.
“By participating in this exercise, Bulgaria once again proves that it is a reliable partner,” Popov said.
“One of our tasks, which is quite serious for us, is to test the host country support procedures,” he said.
“You saw for yourself the ease with which joint teams from the Bulgarian and Spanish special operations forces performed tactical actions. Whenever professionals work, things look easy, but you have to be sure that behind this are many hours of training, a lot of work and true dedication.”
Popov said that every day, Bulgarian military personnel increase their combat training in joint exercises at home and abroad, in Nato missions and operations, improve interaction with allies, thus strengthening security in the Black Sea region and, in general, on Nato’s south-eastern flank.
(Photo: Ministry of Defence)
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