NATO is participating in large-scale naval exercises off the east coast of the United States, despite political tensions between the administration of President Donald Trump and the Alliance's allies. Reuters reports, writes UNN.
Details
The agency gained exclusive access to the FLEETEX 250 exercises, which are part of a series of U.S. maneuvers dedicated to defending the country's territory and timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
During the exercises, the military is practicing, among other things, ship boarding operations. Reuters notes that a large number of military vessels from various countries are simultaneously present in the area where the maneuvers are being conducted.
Despite political disputes, military cooperation continues
Reuters recalls that the Donald Trump administration has repeatedly questioned NATO's role and called on European allies to increase defense spending. Last week, Trump also criticized the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and France for insufficient support of the American military campaign against Iran.
We are disappointed with most of them
At the same time, despite political differences, servicemen from Spain, France, and other Alliance countries are participating in the exercises. According to experts, this indicates the preservation of close interaction between the military even against the backdrop of complex political relations.
Such exercises are planned months or even years in advance. This is what the military does to maintain combat readiness. If there is no intervention ordering them to stop, they will continue to do so
Reuters also reports that journalists spent a day with NATO's First Standing Naval Group, which includes ships from Norway, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Turkey under the command of British Commodore Maryla Ingham.