NATO Exercises 2026: The Complete Guide to Allied Readiness

Bookmark this page for the authoritative, always-updated overview of NATO’s 2026 training calendar—drill dates, domains, and deployments across the alliance.

Why This Article Matters (and Why You Should Bookmark It)

NATO's exercise calendar is never published in one go. SHAPE populates its schedule incrementally — typically confirming winter/spring drills first, with summer and autumn exercises announced as late as April or May. For journalists, policy analysts, and security professionals, this creates an information gap.

This guide closes it: a single, evergreen reference updated within 24 hours of any official confirmation. No more piecing together press releases from SHAPE, DVIDS, and a dozen national defence ministries.

Interactive Map: NATO Exercises in 2026

Zoom, click, or hover to explore the geographic distribution of this year’s drills.

Note: Marker positions are approximate mid-points of each exercise area.

2026 NATO Exercise Calendar at a Glance

Romania's additional confirmed exercises:  HISTRIA 26 (strategic), DACIA 26 (tactical, linked to Steadfast Defender 27 planning), Land Shield 26, Burebista 26, Carpathian Arc 26 (MNC-SE led), Steadfast Deterrence 26, Steadfast Duel 26.

Probable but not yet confirmed (annual recurring):  Hedgehog (Estonia), Arctic Challenge, Saber Guardian, Northern Coasts, Formidable Shield (biennial — ran 2025, likely skipped 2026), NAMEJS (Latvia), Thunder Storm (Lithuania), Joint Warrior (UK, mid-March per Defence Press Agency; Italian LEG 26 participation reported), Mare Aperto (Italy, May per Italian Navy deployment planning), Dynamic Guard (Mediterranean, early March per USNI), Dynamic Messenger, Sandy Coast, Steadfast Noon, Cyber Coalition.

Dates reflect NATO, SHAPE, and national MoD releases as of 17 March 2026 and may shift; always check this page for updates.

Flagship Drills to Watch in 2026

Underway

STEADFAST DART 26 (2 Jan – 18 Mar, Germany / Baltic Sea — main LIVEX concluded; redeployment phase through 18 Mar)
NATO’s largest completed exercise of 2026 so far. The second deployment of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF), and its first under JFC Brunssum. Approximately 10,000–11,000 personnel from 13 nations — including ARF units from Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Spain, and Türkiye plus linking forces — exercised multi-domain operations at Bergen training area in Lower Saxony with amphibious elements on the Baltic coast.

Some 3,000 vehicles, including 1,000 British, arrived via Emden, testing 'Military Schengen' rail and road logistics. The exercise also produced a notable first: on 20 February, Turkey deployed a Bayraktar TB-3 fixed-wing UAV from the flight deck of TCG Anadolu — the first fixed-wing UAV operation from an amphibious assault ship in a NATO exercise. The TB-3 was subsequently used for live counter-UAS training against German and Italian Eurofighters and Spanish F-18s, supported by a Spanish A400M tanker. ARF elements subsequently transitioned into the German Bundeswehr's Grand Quadriga 26 and Northern Quadriga exercises, while the Turkish Maritime Task Group sailed north to join Cold Response 26 — demonstrating the kind of seamless exercise-to-exercise force flow that underpins NATO's 2026 calendar logic. Read our deep-dive on Steadfast Dart 2026 for details:

Steadfast Dart 2026: NATO’s First Major Test of the Allied Reaction Force

A deep-dive into Exercise Steadfast Dart 2026 — the Allied Reaction Force’s first operational-scale deployment under JFC Brunssum, and the clearest test yet of NATO’s post-NRF multi-domain readiness architecture.

Großwald | European Defence IntelligenceGroßwald

COLD RESPONSE 26 (9–19 Mar, Norway / Finland / Sweden – field phase, full operations underway)  The year's premier Arctic exercise, now in its field phase. Norway-led, with 32,500 participants from 14 nations — 25,000 in Norway (11,800 on land, the remainder naval and air) and 7,500 in Finland — training across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains in Nordland, Troms, and western Finnmark, plus northern Finland. This is the first Cold Response under NATO's new Multi Corps Land Component Command (MCLCC) in Mikkeli, Finland — and the first to fall under the Arctic Sentry umbrella. A large-scale simulation runs in parallel, involving significantly larger simulated forces to increase realism and complexity for participating headquarters. Maritime operations extend into the North Atlantic; air operations span all Nordic countries. Participating nations: Norway, Finland, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, Türkiye, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, and NATO. A critical test of JFC Norfolk's operational control over the Nordic region following its assumption of responsibility for the full Arctic AOR. The exercise is led from a joint Norwegian–US headquarters at Reitan, near Bodø. Norway has designated 2026 as the year of 'Total Defence,' and Cold Response is a central component, testing how civilian infrastructure and public institutions support military operations under crisis conditions.

Key developments since launch: The French carrier strike group (Charles de Gaulle), originally scheduled to participate in Cold Response’s maritime component, was retasked by President Macron to the Eastern Mediterranean around 7 March amid escalating Iran tensions. The United States has also withdrawn one squadron of F-35A Lightning IIs that had been scheduled to operate from Ørland, Norway — officials have not confirmed the reason, though concurrent Middle East commitments are the likely factor. These withdrawals reduce the exercise’s high-end maritime and air power contribution but do not affect the core land and Arctic operations.

On 16 March the defence ministers of Finland, Sweden and Norway issued a joint statement at the exercise site, highlighting substantial progress on NATO’s Forward Land Forces (FLF) Finland. Sweden is providing the core battlegroup, with the objective of achieving operational readiness before the NATO Summit in Ankara this summer.

Note on dates: Norwegian Armed Forces list the field phase as 9–19 March; Finnish Defence Forces list it as 9–20 March, likely reflecting Finnish redeployment activity.

DYNAMIC MARINER 26 (5–20 Mar, Mediterranean Sea — underway, nearing conclusion) ARF Maritime Component certification (LIVEX). This year's iteration is geared specifically towards certifying the Royal Navy to assume command of the Allied Reaction Force (Maritime) on 1 July 2026, when the UK takes over the ARF/M lead from the current holder. The exercise draws heavily on Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), currently under Spanish Navy command, with significant Spanish participation alongside Royal Navy, Italian, Greek and other allied surface, subsurface and air assets. MARCOM is using the drill to validate command integration, sustainment, and multi-domain maritime operations in the Mediterranean.

STEADFAST FOXTROT 26 (17–26 Mar, Ulm, Germany) Sustainment, medical, and enablement wargame hosted by JSEC at Ulm. The 2026 iteration expands on previous years by adding dedicated medical and sustainment wargames alongside the core enablement rehearsal, and for the first time feeds directly into the iterative development of NATO's Reinforcement and Sustainment Network (RSN). Participants will rehearse challenging elements of a reinforcement-by-forces and sustainment operational plan, testing deployment sequencing across 32 allies under the New Force Model structure. Outcomes will refine the current RSN operational plan ahead of 2027 live exercises.

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Completed

ARCTIC DOLPHIN 26 (2–24 Feb, Norway)  An annual ASW exercise off western Norway (Bjørnafjorden, Sognesjøen, Sognefjorden) bringing together Norwegian and allied navies, including Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1). The drill focused on anti-submarine warfare and certifying new submarine commanders in Arctic maritime conditions.

DYNAMIC FRONT 26 (26 Jan – 13 Feb 2026, Romania – completed).A multinational field artillery command-post and live-fire exercise at Romania's Cincu training centre, practising the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line (EFDL) concept. Eight NATO nations coordinated lethal and non-lethal fires across a distributed battlefield, testing multi-domain kill webs and counter-A2/AD capabilities. The exercise culminated with media day and live fires on 9 February in Cincu. (Overall, up to 23 NATO allies participated across five countries and nine training areas.)

DYNAMIC MANTA 26 (23 Feb – 6 Mar, Mediterranean Sea) Major ASW/submarine warfare drill involving submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and surface ships from 10 allied nations: Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye, the UK, and the US. Notable first: the exercise integrated an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) into operations — the first time NATO has incorporated this technology into Dynamic Manta.

Upcoming

DEFENDER-EUROPE 26 / AURORA 26 / IMMEDIATE RESPONSE 26 / BALTOPS 26 (Spring–Summer, Nordic-Baltic)  The DEFENDER-Europe 26 umbrella — confirmed via Swedish Armed Forces AURORA 26 planning documents — represents this year's centrepiece exercise cluster. AURORA 26 is a Swedish-led LIVEX — designated a Key Strategic Activity (KSA) within a Germany-led Consolidated Strategic Opportunity (CSO) — to train, rehearse, and validate bi- and multilateral plans for reinforcing Finland and the Baltic states in a pre-Article 5 response operation. The exercise will focus on the maritime and air domains in the Baltic Sea region, with Gotland included as a focus area for allied long-range weapon systems reinforcement and total defence/civil preparedness activities. Key activities include Reception, Staging, and Onward Movement (RSOM) of allied forces through Sweden and by sea lines of communication to Finland and the Baltic states, alongside Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), targeting, and joint fires. It is explicitly linked to Immediate Response 26 and BALTOPS 26. Exact dates are expected in March–April; the Nordic-Baltic geographic focus marks a rotation from DEFENDER-Europe 25's southern orientation.

SEA SHIELD 26 (31 Mar – 28 Apr, Romania / Black Sea) Romania-led multinational naval exercise training the Naval Component Command and tactical battle groups in crisis scenarios on NATO's southeastern flank. Part of Romania's extensive 2026 exercise programme of over 100 drills. Note: Romania has simultaneously approved US deployment of military aircraft and refueling assets to Mihail Kogălniceanu for Middle East operations, underscoring the dual-use operational tempo on the southeastern flank.

AFRICAN LION 26 (20 Apr – 8 May, Morocco / Tunisia / Ghana / Senegal)  AFRICOM's largest annual joint exercise, involving more than 5,600 personnel from over 30 nations. Led by U.S. Army SETAF-AF. The 2026 iteration places heavy emphasis on experimentation: over 40 technology vendors will field-test capabilities including robotic infantry and vehicle targets for live fire, AI decision-support systems, ground sensing, and FPV drone operations against moving armoured targets. Italian and French special operations units will partner with Tunisian counterparts for airborne operations, live-fire training, and joint targeting. C-130 dirt landing certification — rarely available in Europe — is a standout training opportunity. Exercise locations in Morocco include Agadir, Tan Tan, Taroudant, Kenitra, and Benguerir.

NEPTUNE STRIKE 26-1 (late Mar – Apr) Multi-domain carrier-strike package led by STRIKFORNATO, expected to span multiple theatres including the North Atlantic and Baltic. The Turkish Maritime Task Group (TCG Anadolu) is a confirmed participant. However, force composition is under significant pressure from the Middle East crisis: the French CSG has been retasked to the Eastern Mediterranean (see Cold Response 26 note above), and the UK CSG's Operation Firecrest timeline is uncertain (see below). Watch for updated NATO announcements.

NEPTUNE STRIKE 26-2 (late Apr – May) Follow-on carrier-strike operations, historically spanning the Mediterranean, North Sea, Baltic, and Black Sea. Faces the same carrier-availability constraints as 26-1. The Turkish Maritime Task Group (TCG Anadolu) is due to complete its current deployment by 23 April, which may limit its availability for a late-April iteration. If the Middle East crisis persists, STRIKFORNATO may need to lean more heavily on US carrier assets or adjust the phasing of both Neptune Strike iterations.

OPERATION FIRECREST (Apr onwards — timing uncertain) UK Carrier Strike Group deployment led by HMS Prince of Wales across the North Atlantic and High North, announced 14 February as a major contribution to NATO's Arctic Sentry mission and GIUK gap security. The CSG would include F-35B Lightning IIs, Type 45 and Type 23/26 escorts, and an Astute-class submarine, exercising alongside SNMG1 (UK-led via HMS Dragon) and cooperating with JFC Norfolk. A US port visit and cross-deck operations with USMC F-35s were planned. However, as of early March, HMS Prince of Wales has been placed on five days' notice to sail in response to the Middle East crisis, and the original Firecrest timeline is now in doubt. US participation is described as "especially uncertain."

Persistent Operations: The 'Sentry' Triad

A defining feature of NATO's 2026 posture is the simultaneous operation of three open-ended, multi-domain activities — distinct from calendar exercises and running without a stated end date:

Baltic Sentry (launched 14 January 2025) — Enhancing NATO's maritime presence in the Baltic Sea, prompted by suspected Russian undersea sabotage of energy pipelines and communications cables. Incorporates naval surveillance drones, warships, submarines, and aircraft.

Eastern Sentry (launched 12 September 2025) — Bolstering NATO's air, land, and sea posture along the entire eastern flank, from the High North to the Black Sea. Triggered by Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace. Integrates traditional capabilities with counter-drone sensors and novel technologies. Contributions from Denmark, France, Germany, the UK, and others.

Arctic Sentry (launched 11 February 2026) — The newest addition, placing all allied Arctic activity under a single coordinated command for the first time. Led by JFC Norfolk, coordinating with NORAD, USNORTHCOM, and USEUCOM. Denmark's Arctic Endurance exercise and Cold Response 26 (now underway) both operate under this umbrella. Born from the Davos Rutte-Trump framework on Greenland and broader Arctic security. The UK's Operation Firecrest — a Carrier Strike Group deployment to the North Atlantic and High North — was announced in February as a major Arctic Sentry contribution, but its timeline is now uncertain due to the Middle East crisis (see Firecrest entry above).

Key Insight: Until 2025, NATO demonstrated readiness through exercises — large-scale drills with fixed dates that began, ran, and ended. The three Sentries work differently: they are ongoing operations with no end date, keeping allied forces permanently deployed across the Baltic Sea, the eastern flank, and the Arctic simultaneously. NATO has not maintained this kind of continuous, multi-theatre military presence since the Cold War.

Regional & Domain Hot-Spots

Northern Flank & Arctic Security 

Cold Response 26 (9–19 March, now underway) anchors the Arctic calendar under Arctic Sentry's umbrella, though its maritime and air components have been reduced by the French CSG retasking to the Eastern Mediterranean and the withdrawal of a US F-35 squadron. Arctic Dolphin 26 (completed February) tested ASW in Norwegian fjords. Denmark's Arctic Endurance is running concurrently in and around Greenland. The UK's Operation Firecrest — a Carrier Strike Group deployment to the North Atlantic and High North — was announced in February as a major Arctic Sentry and JEF contribution, but its timeline is now uncertain due to the Middle East crisis. Arctic Challenge 26, the Nordic air combat exercise, has not yet been announced but is a strong annual candidate.

Baltic & Nordic Deterrence 

Steadfast Dart 26 (January–March, concluding phase) tested the ARF's rapid deployment into northern Germany. The DEFENDER-Europe 26 / AURORA 26 / BALTOPS 26 cluster will dominate the spring–summer calendar with a Nordic-Baltic focus. NAMEJS (Latvia) and Thunder Storm (Lithuania) are expected to recur in the autumn but are not yet confirmed for 2026.

Black Sea & Southeastern Flank 

Dynamic Front 26 (February) tested multi-domain fires at Romania's Cincu. Sea Shield 26 is the flagship Black Sea naval drill. Romania's broader 2026 programme includes Carpathian Arc 26 (MNC-SE led), DACIA 26 (linked to Steadfast Defender 27), Land Shield 26, and Burebista 26. Eastern Sentry continues to provide persistent air defence and surveillance from the High North to the Black Sea.

Mediterranean & North Africa

African Lion 26 (20 Apr–8 May) is now firmed up across Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal. The Mediterranean has already seen Dynamic Manta 26 (completed March) and Dynamic Mariner 26 (underway), with the two-phase Neptune Strike 26 carrier-strike packages (late Mar–May) upcoming — though both iterations face significant force composition pressure from the Middle East crisis. Mare Aperto 26 (Italy) is expected in May based on Italian Navy deployment planning but awaits primary confirmation. Formidable Shield, a biennial IAMD exercise, ran in 2025 and is unlikely to recur in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest NATO exercise in 2026 so far? 

Steadfast Dart 26 (main phase now concluded) involved approximately 10,000 troops and 3,000 vehicles from 11–13 nations across Germany and the Baltic Sea region — NATO’s largest completed exercise to date. However, Cold Response 26 (32,500 personnel across Norway and Finland, 14 nations) has now surpassed it, with its field phase underway since 9 March.

What are the 'Sentry' operations? 

Baltic Sentry, Eastern Sentry, and Arctic Sentry are open-ended, multi-domain activities — not time-limited exercises. They provide persistent NATO presence and surveillance across the Baltic Sea, the eastern flank, and the Arctic respectively. Arctic Sentry, the newest, was launched on 11 February 2026.

Why isn't the full 2026 calendar published yet? 

NATO and SHAPE release exercise details incrementally. Winter and spring drills are typically confirmed first; summer and autumn exercises are announced as late as April or May. This guide is updated within 24 hours of any official confirmation.

Are these drills offensive in nature? 

NATO classifies all exercises and operations as defensive and deterrent, designed to protect allied territory under Article 5 and improve interoperability.

Is this guide still being updated? 

Yes — continuously. Bookmark this page. For alerts, follow Großwald on Linkedin or @grosswaldorg on X. Subscribe to the free Großwald newsletters, including daily Signal, weekly Curated, and ad-hoc Systems pieces.

Last updated: 17 March 2026

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Further Reading

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Signal No. 17 Monday · 16 March 2026 DIP SEA 27 Foreign Ministers and No Appetite for Hormuz — Kallas Pivots to a UN Corridor Model Reuters 16 Mar · Reuters 16 Mar · Al Jazeera 16 Mar · Tagesspiegel 16 Mar · DW 16 Mar The EU Foreign Affairs Council met in Brussels today with

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Perspectives: The Case for Berlin

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Poland’s Armour Surge: 900 Tanks, Three Platforms, and the Gap to Berlin

With 117 M1A2 SEPv3 tanks delivered as of early 2026 and K2PL domestic production tooling underway at Bumar-Łabędy, Poland’s armoured transformation is moving from contract to capability. By 2030: approximately 900 tanks across three platforms — K2 Black Panther, M1 Abrams, and Leopard 2. Warsaw’s armour buildup is the most aggressive

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Bundeswehr Personnel 2026: 184,194 Soldiers, 81,958 Civilians

184,194 military, 81,958 civilian — complete Bundeswehr force structure by branch, rank, gender, and service type. Official BMVg data as of December 2025. Tables included.

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