NATO has begun a large-scale military build-up in Germany as allied forces and equipment arrive for Exercise STEADFAST DART 2026, the biggest exercise of the year and the first full test of its new Allied Reaction Force.
Troops and heavy equipment started arriving at the port of Emden on 15 January, marking the opening phase of the exercise. The initial deployment includes an Italian sealift vessel transporting more than 1,500 military vehicles and supporting equipment, with further shipments scheduled through late January and early February.
A second Italian ship is expected to deliver around 1,600 additional military items by the end of the month, followed by a further vessel carrying roughly 750 items in early February. All equipment will undergo Reception, Staging and Onward Movement across Germany before onward deployment.
Major General Nicola Mandolesi, Deputy Chief of Staff Support at NATO’s Joint Force Command Brunssum, said the arrival of forces was a visible demonstration of alliance cohesion. “The arrival of these troops in Germany is clear and visible proof of NATO’s unity, strength, and determination,” he said. “Our Alliance remains defensive, transparent, and ready.”
STEADFAST DART 2026 is designed to test the deployability, command arrangements and operational procedures of the Allied Reaction Force, NATO’s new high-readiness formation created to respond more rapidly to emerging crises.
The ARF is structured as a multi-domain force, capable of operating across land, air, maritime, space, cyber and special operations domains, and is intended to deliver effects at far shorter notice than previous NATO force models. Around 10,000 personnel from 11 nations are taking part in the exercise, including Italy, Greece, Germany, Czechia, Spain, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Türkiye, with additional support from France, Belgium and the United Kingdom. The exercise is being led by Joint Force Command Brunssum and places particular emphasis on interoperability between allied forces and coordination with Germany as the host nation.
NATO say the scale and visibility of the deployment reflects the alliance’s renewed focus on readiness, mobility and rapid reinforcement, particularly as security conditions across Europe continue to deteriorate. STEADFAST DART 2026 will continue over the coming weeks as forces disperse from Germany to conduct wider manoeuvres, forming a central part of NATO’s training cycle for 2026.
