NATO members hold combat exercises in Romania

NATO has begun its largest military exercise of the year, Steadfast Dart 2025, in Romania, aimed at enhancing the alliance's rapid deployment capabilities along its eastern border.

NATO's largest combat exercise involves approximately 10,000 military personnel, from nine NATO member countries, including the United Kingdom and Spain.

Exercises take place across Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece over six weeks, focusing on testing the readiness and interoperability of NATO's Allied Reaction Force.

The ARF was established in July 2024 and is designed for deployment within ten days, integrating conventional forces with cyber and space-based technologies.

NATO's most powerful member, the U.S., is not involved, reflecting a shift toward Europe's self-reliance in defense.

This comes amid uncertainties regarding the U.S. commitment to European security under President Donald Trump's administration.