People are readying themselves for the upcoming drill
Preparations for the large-scale military exercise ELAZNY OBROCA-25, also known as "Iron Defender", are underway in Poland. This NATO-led exercise, scheduled for later this year, is one of the largest planned exercises of the year and serves as a direct counter to the Russian-Belarusian exercise Zapad-2025.
Purpose and Objectives
The primary objective of ELAZNY OBROCA-25 is to enhance NATO’s readiness and interoperability among its member states’ forces stationed in Eastern Europe. It is also designed to demonstrate NATO’s commitment to the defense of its eastern flank, particularly Poland and the Baltic states.
The exercise aims to counterbalance and deter potential aggression from Russia and Belarus by showing unified and credible defensive capabilities. It also seeks to test logistics, command, control, and coordination under simulated conditions similar to those in a real conflict scenario.
Moreover, ELAZNY OBROCA-25 provides training in combined arms operations involving infantry, armor, artillery, air defense, and other support units.
Details of the Exercise
The exercise will primarily take place in Poland, particularly near the eastern border with Belarus. Over 600 units of military equipment will participate, with NATO troops from multiple member countries taking part, including armored units, mechanized infantry, artillery, air defense, and support elements.
The exercise will involve approximately 34,000 troops from Poland and NATO. Three training grounds are being prepared for the exercise in Poland: Nova Demba, Ozhish, and Ustka. The exercise will take place on land, in the air, and at sea, with NATO naval forces, including those from the British Navy, expected to be involved in the training events in the Baltic Sea.
The use of unmanned boats is possible during the training events in the Baltic Sea. Additionally, additional F-35 aircraft from Norway and the Netherlands are expected to be deployed to Poland for the ELAZNY OBROCA-25 exercise.
Significance of the Exercise
ELAZNY OBROCA-25 serves as a visible demonstration of NATO’s enhanced deterrence posture in the region, promoting stability by preparedness and collective defense readiness. The exercise was preceded by a lull in NATO combat training in July.
However, the exercise is perceived as an opportunity for potential provocations near Poland's borders. Despite this, the population has been informed that the movement of troops will occur throughout the country by road and rail.
The first major exercise of the autumn period in Poland will be ELAZNY OBROCA-25, marking a significant step in NATO's efforts to maintain its readiness and deter potential threats in the region.
- The exercise ELAZNY OBROCA-25, set to take place in Poland later this year, is not only focused on enhancing NATO's readiness and interoperability among its forces, but also serves as a political statement to demonstrate NATO's commitment to counter potential conflicts and maintain stability, especially in relation to war-and-conflicts with Russia and Belarus.
- As part of the preparations for ELAZNY OBROCA-25, additional F-35 aircraft from Norway and the Netherlands are expected to be deployed to Poland, highlighting the importance of the exercise in the broader context of general-news and international politics.
