Saber Strike 26 is part of the larger Sword 26 exercise across the European theater. The exercise is intended to build partnerships, strengthen alliances and enhance capabilities in support of the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative.
Polish, Italian and Hungarian paratroopers joined U.S. soldiers to form a multinational battalion. The battalion trained against an opposing force from the British Army’s B Company Group, 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment.
Planning for the exercise had been underway for nearly a year, but the U.S. Army company was brought into the process just over a month before operations began. The multinational battalion was quickly required to integrate, organize its forces and develop plans to counter the British force.
Liaison officers were used to translate across language barriers and ensure information was shared accurately. Commanders from the four nations then began developing a common plan and assessing the tactics their adversary might use.
The leaders conducted a multinational combined arms rehearsal before the operation. The deliberate step-by-step review of tasks and actions helped ensure that all forces understood the plan and the mission objective.
For U.S. Army Maj. Matthew Graham, operations officer with 4-70th Armor Regiment and the multinational battalion, the exercise focused on both learning and execution. “One of the key things we look at is – how do we increase NATO interoperability?” he asked.
“Getting to see how [our partner forces] work together and fight together has been really exciting,” Graham said.
The multinational battalion conducted multiple air movements across the training area. These operations required coordination of flights and airspace to move the battalion tactically, establish security and continue the assault toward the opposing force’s position.
The battalion used dismounted patrols and aerial drones for reconnaissance. These capabilities gave commanders a clearer view of the battlespace ahead of their forces.
Polish and Italian units brought mortars to the exercise. In coordination with targets planned by U.S. forces, the mortars were used as an effective measure against the British opposing force.
When the battalion encountered enemy contact, information was passed through national commanders to build a shared operating picture. Leaders across the formation acted decisively, supported by the resilience of their soldiers.
As one final British defensive position remained, the battalion planned and executed a hasty air assault. The multinational force met aggressive enemy contact at the landing zone, moved quickly through layers of defense and successfully captured the British position.
British Army Maj. Louis Maclaren, commanding officer of B Company Group, 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, led the opposing force in the scenario. He said the exercise was designed to build understanding among forces that may operate together in future conflicts.
“While today we are opponents, what this should generate is a mutual respect, mutual understanding, and mutual regard for one another,” Maclaren said.
“When we serve together on the battlefield, it’s that mutual understanding and mutual respect which should bind us together and allow us to fight together,” he said.
V Corps said the importance of Saber Strike 26 extends beyond the training conducted in Finland. The exercise demonstrated that the ability to deploy rapidly and integrate allied forces can serve as a deterrent from the outset.
The corps said effective cooperation, training and familiarization with partner forces provide a lethal advantage. It said exercises such as Saber Strike 26 not only prepare allied forces to respond to conflict, but also help ensure one does not occur.
