NATO's "Steadfast Dart 2025" in full swing

NATO's "Steadfast Dart 2025" exercise, currently underway from February 10 to 21, 2025, across Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania, marks a significant demonstration of the alliance's rapid deployment capabilities. This large-scale operation involves approximately 10,000 troops from nine member nations, including notable contributions from Bulgarian and Spanish military forces.

A key highlight of the exercise is the collaboration between Bulgarian and Spanish Special Operations Forces (SOF). At the Tsrancha Training Area in Bulgaria, these units showcased their combat proficiency through joint drills. The demonstrations included operations such as seizing enemy positions, neutralizing simulated threats within structures, and executing sniper missions. Additionally, a static display featured the specialized weaponry and equipment utilized by both nations' SOF units.

Spain has made a substantial contribution to "Steadfast Dart 2025," deploying nearly 3,000 military personnel.

This deployment underscores Spain's commitment to NATO's strategic objectives and highlights its leadership within the alliance.

"Steadfast Dart 2025" also marks the inaugural large-scale deployment of NATO's Allied Reaction Force (ARF), established on July 1, 2024. The ARF is designed for rapid mobilization within 10 days, integrating conventional forces with advanced cyber and space technologies. In this exercise, Greek and Spanish marines led an amphibious assault demonstration near Volos, Greece, exemplifying the ARF's operational readiness.

"Steadfast Dart 2025" not only enhances interoperability among NATO allies but also reinforces the alliance's commitment to collective defense, particularly along its southeastern flank.