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BEMOWO PISKIE, Poland – Troops from Spain, the United Kingdom and Türkiye that form part of NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) have arrived at Bemowo Piskie Training Area (BPTA), North East Poland, to continue exercise DRAGON 24. 

Working under 11 (Pol) Armored Cavalry Division alongside elements of the Multi-national Battle Group based at the training area they will continue integration training and conduct a series of live fire exercises. Having proven the VJTFs ability to rapidly deploy from their own countries during EX BRILLIANT JUMP 24 in February, the VJTF remained in Poland for EX DRAGON 24. The VJTF(L) marched across Poland conducting a tactical crossing of the Vistula River. They arrived at BPTA on Saturday. These exercises have tested and proven the interoperability of the VJTF, with the nations working together building valuable skills and experience.

The final stage of the VJTFs deployment will be live fire serials conducted at BPTA. The force will seek to develop the VJTFs interoperability with different forces and nations, as they exercise with US and FRA troops as part of the NATO Multi-national battlegroup. This battlegroup is one of eight NATO battlegroups based along NATOs eastern border, and a key deterrent to adversarial aggression on NATOs eastern flank.

Rapid deployment in response to crisis is the key attribute of the VJTF

Brigadier Guy Foden, VJTF Commander stated: “but once we have done so, being able to operate alongside troops in place is an essential force multiplier for both the VJTF and troops in theatre.”

Once EX DRAGON 24 is complete the various nations of the VJTF will re-deploy home, remaining ready to rapidly deploy anywhere within the NATO Alliance in response to crisis.