Тhe largest multinational exercise conducted in the Republic of North Macedonia to date, Exercise “Swift Response 22”, will be conducted this spring at the army training area “Krivolak”.
“Swift Response 22” is an annual multinational exercise that this year covers 3 regions: the Arctic, the Balkan and the Baltic region. The exercise involves about 9,000 members of the armed forces of 17 allied and partner countries and will be realized simultaneously in Norway, Latvia, Lithuania and North Macedonia.
Swift Response 22 aims to demonstrate the ability for rapid deployment of US Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) forces alongside multinational airborne forces from Europe without prior preparation anywhere in the world. At the same time, the intention is to demonstrate the combat readiness of the USAREUR-AF and to increase their preparedness by enhancing interoperability in the airborne operations between Allies and Partners as well as by strengthening the unity in the various partner services and branches.
The exercise is carried out in accordance with the one-year exercise plan of the US Army and Air Force and is preceded by a lengthy planning process. Part of the planning process for the exercise “Swift Response 22” which took place during 2021 was realized in our country.
In North Macedonia, about 4,600 members from eight NATO countries, namely North Macedonia, USA, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Montenegro, Albania and Greece, will be taking part in the exercise.
The exercise is of particular importance to our Army in terms of sharing knowledge, capabilities and skills, increasing interoperability with the Allied armed forces, harmonizing allied techniques and procedures, working together to conduct this type of operations, and demonstrating the capacities of TA “Krivolak” for conducting this type of military exercises as a unique capacity for training of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia and the NATO countries.
The exercise at TA Krivolak will involve 45 aircraft, i.e. fighter and transport fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Moreover, over 700 paratrooper jumps will be performed during the exercise.
The fact that the Republic of North Macedonia is hosting this exercise together with seven NATO allies shows that our country and its armed forces have a serious capacity to contribute to the collective defence, security and safety of the Euro-Atlantic area.
