Steadfast Dart 2026 is the first Allied Reaction Force deployment within the area of responsibility of Joint Force Command Brunssum, which is leading the exercise. It will demonstrate NATO’s operational and strategic capabilities by integrating land, air, space, cyber, maritime and special operations forces.
“Last year, Steadfast Dart incorporated the first deployment of NATO’s new Allied Reaction Force, demonstrating Allied Command Operations’ ability to respond at a moment’s notice to an emergent threat to our Alliance,” said Alexus G. Grynkewich. “This year’s exercise builds upon that success and will again demonstrate NATO’s responsiveness, as well as its strength, in what will arguably be one of NATO’s most visible exercises this year, with forces on the land, at sea, and in the air, who will operate in all domains.”
The exercise includes a deployment phase, which began earlier this month, and a training phase starting next month, both set within a simulated conflict involving a near-peer adversary. Activities will take place across multiple locations in Central Europe, particularly in Germany, where the exercise will transition directly into the national Quadriga exercise.
“Steadfast Dart 2026, NATO’s largest exercise of 2026, shows that the Alliance can act swiftly, stand united, and respond decisively under the leadership of Joint Force Command Brunssum—exactly when it matters most,” said General Ingo Gerhartz, Commander of JFC Brunssum. “With Exercise Steadfast Dart, we are demonstrating that NATO’s Allied Reaction Force toolbox contains every capability needed to react to any threat.”
Around 10,000 personnel from 11 nations are taking part, including Allied Reaction Force units and forces linking national exercises to Steadfast Dart. Planning has been conducted over the past two years in close coordination with SHAPE, the military headquarters of Allied Command Operations.
