British and French Paratroopers Join Major Wargame in Germany in Defence Rehearsal for NATO Territory

British and French paratroopers have taken part in a major wargame held in Germany. More than 2,500 troops from the two countries participated in the exercise.

The purpose of the wargame was to practise how NATO alliance territory would be defended in the event of an attack. The exercise was designed in the shape of a real combat situation with that goal in mind.

The speciality of paratrooper forces is that they can reach an enemy area or a battlefield quickly by air. Their role is the most important at the very start of any major operation.

Britain and France are two of the NATO alliance's principal military powers. Troops of the two countries exercising together means testing their ability to work jointly on the battlefield.

In a joint exercise, one country's soldiers get the opportunity to adapt themselves to the other country's command structure, communications system and combat tactics. In a real crisis, this coordination becomes the key to success.

The question of defending NATO territory has been at the centre of Europe's security discussion in recent years. Member states have been signalling their readiness through one joint exercise after another.

Holding this exercise on German soil is also significant, because the country is located at the heart of Europe and plays a major role in NATO's logistics system.

The participation of more than 2,500 troops has made this exercise an event of a large scale. Coordinating such a large number of soldiers is itself a demonstration of military capability.

Through the exercise, both countries wanted to show that they are prepared to respond collectively if any member of the alliance comes under attack.

Against the backdrop of ongoing concern over the security situation across Europe, such exercises are expected to continue in the days ahead as well.