In the training area of Novo Selo in Bulgaria, the exercise named Celebrate, which had the aim of certifying the achievement of complete interoperability between the units that make up the MNBG-Bulgaria used in the context of the NATO initiative, called enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA), aimed at increasing the presence of the Atlantic Alliance on the East flank.
The exercise that had as a scenario the intervention of the units of the MNBG-BG, initially to slow down gradually and finally to stop the forward progression of the opposing units, allowed the soldiers on the ground and their commanders to use the foreseen NATO procedures and verify their ability to operate in a multinational environment.
"The Celeritate exercise can be considered a practical example to testify the commitment and determination of the NATO military in the coordinated use of infantry units, supported by the intervention of artillery, cavalry and engineers", said Colonel Andrea Fraticelli, commander of the MNBG who then added: “everything worked perfectly, the interoperability between departments which represents a combination of military experiences and human aspects, was fully achieved.”
Approximately 450 soldiers and 105 tactical vehicles belonging to the six nations, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia were used in the training activity, which together with the United States component (not exercised in this circumstance) make up the MNBG located in Bulgaria which has been under Italian leadership since October 2022.
THEenhanced Vigilance Activity it is a measure of a defensive nature which demonstrates the clear willingness and ability of NATO and its allies to act as one. By strengthening the Alliance's principle of deterrence, it constitutes a concrete effort to preserve the peace.
The operations conducted by the Italian Armed Forces on the eastern flank of NATO, ordered by the Chief of Defense Staff, are under the coordination and direction of the Joint Operational Command (COVI).
