Dec 28 2022

Allied Command Operations in action in 2022

Exercises are important tools through which the Alliance tests and validates its concepts, procedures, systems and tactics. More broadly, they enable militaries and civilian organisations deployed in theatres of operation to test capabilities and practise working together efficiently in a demanding crisis situation.

In 2022, Allied Command Operations, including NATO Allies and Partners, were hard at work increasing interoperability and enhancing military capabilities throughout Alliance territory.

Check out some of those campaigns in pictures below.

The multinational Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear exercise Toxic Valley 2022 took place in the CBRN testing and training Centre Zemianske Kostoľany, Slovakia. The exercise created a venue to train teams from 12 NATO Allied and Partner Nations in the special capability of sampling and identifying Chemical Warfare Agents, drugs and others.

The boarding team of Patrol Vessel FS Ducting uses an ALIACA unmanned aerial vehicle to improve security. The ship took part in Exercise Dynamic Messenger 22 near the coast of Portugal.

A UK Stormer equipped with High Velocity Missile, developed to counter the threat of attack helicopters and low flying aircraft, seen here protecting the evening sky in Poland during NATO exercise Ramstein Legacy 22.

US Air Force F-22s, Polish Air Force F-16s & MiG-29s and Italian Aeronautica Militare Eurofighters join forces to enhance tactics, techniques and procedures as part of NATO's Air Shielding mission. The mission provides an increased and sustainable air and missile defence posture along NATO’s Eastern flank, designed to shield against air and missile threats following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, flies over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in support of Neptune Strike 2022. The exercise highlighted NATO’s ability to integrate the high-end maritime warfare capabilities of a carrier strike group to support the defence of the Alliance.- U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bela Chambers

Dutch, Polish and US helicopters trained together and conducted complex missions at various locations in the Netherlands from Oct. 31 to Nov. 18. A total of 37 helicopters and approximately 1,000 military personnel were involved in the multinational training activities of exercise Falcon Autumn.

In June during exercise BALTOPS 22, roughly 90 Marines from 22 Marine Expeditionary unit assaulted the Baltic coastline of Poland from USS Kearsarge and USS Gunston Hall using 3 Ospreys, 2 Cobras, 2 UH-1s and 4 AV 8Bs.

Polish mechanised infantry next to a KTO Rosomak to counter-attack during the Brilliant Jump 2022 DV Day dynamic display in Norway, Mar. 17. The exercise demonstrated the capability and integration of NATO forces as a contribution to NATO's deterrence and defence posture. Brilliant Jump trained NATO Response Force's Very High Readiness Brigade in Norway.

SHAPE Public Affairs Office