The annual Steadfast Cobalt 2018 exercise is set to get underway in Kaunas, Lithuania.
Beginning on 21 May, this year’s defensive exercise will see the participation of approximately 1,000 soldiers from more than 44 different units across 25 Nato allies.
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Exercise Steadfast Cobalt 2018 will strengthen cooperation between Lithuania and the Nato communications units by providing all the conditions and services necessary for the troops, said Lithuania National Defence vice-minister Edvinas Kerza.
Kerza added: “I am happy to see such a trust from the alliance that Lithuania has earned, and the progress the Lithuanian Armed Forces have made hosting this Nato exercise in Kaunas for the second consecutive year.”
To be held in Lithuania for the third time, the exercise will help assess the ability of Nato communications units to ensure data exchange, in addition to maintaining communication among combat units of the Nato Response Force, joint and component headquarters worldwide.
Protection of the site and other support tasks during the exercise will be carried out by soldiers from other units of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Nato major general Wolfgang Renner said that Steadfast Cobalt 2018 will train, test and evaluate the deployable communication systems in support of command and force structure HQ for Enhanced Nato Response Force 2019 (eNRF19).
Renner said: “It is essential part of preparation for eNRF19, which is highly flexible and capable force that can move at short notice in order to rapidly respond to threats.”
