The exercises called "Strike Back" and "Eastern Stronghold" were completed.
The two activities were conducted on 18 and 19 December, as part of the NATO enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) initiative, by the Forward Land Force Battle Group (FLF BG) Bulgaria, an Italian-led NATO multinational unit.
The aim of the exercises was to further increase the level of interoperability and operational readiness achieved by the FLF BG.
The NATO mission conducted by the national contingent is a measure of a defensive nature, proportionate and fully in line with the international commitment of the Atlantic Alliance which intends to strengthen the principles of deterrence and defense, against potential threats and defense of the Euro-Atlantic spaces .
In line with the mission assigned to battle group, the "Strike Back" and "Eastern Stronghold" exercises were planned and conducted through the execution of offensive and defensive tactical activities, simulating classic war scenarios with attrition actions and subsequent neutralization of enemy units.
In particular, the "Strike Back" exercise, conducted last December 18, was planned for the neutralization of enemy units within a built-up area.
The activity saw the following employed: drones to control the airspace and search for enemy units; medium infantry units, with the task of encircling and isolating the town; light infantry units for the neutralization of opposing forces.
The exercise took on real aspects thanks to the use of type simulators Multiple integrated laser engagement system (Miles), which allowed us to conduct "force on force" training, i.e. with opposing units actually deployed on the ground.
To conduct the exercise, engineering units were also used which, through the detonation of explosive charges, simulated the destruction of a bridge and the opening of passages within the town, using the "door breaching" technique. ”. At the same time, artillery and infantry units were used for the attrition and subsequent neutralization of opposing units, the latter simulated by targets deployed on the ground.
The "Eastern Stronghold" exercise, conducted on December 19, saw the units of the battle group deployed on the ground for the conduct of defensive tactical activities through the use of a maneuvering approach linked to the execution of activities aimed at facing opposing units during a symmetrical conflict.
Around 400 soldiers and 40 combat vehicles and platforms were used for the exercise.
The operations and exercises conducted by the Italian Armed Forces on NATO's eastern flank are arranged by the Chief of Defense General Staff and are under the coordination and direction of the joint joint operational command (COVI).
