STRIKFORNATO executes exercise FORMIDABLE SHIELD 17

Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) will execute the Integrated Air and Missile Defence exercise FORMIDABLE SHIELD 17 from 24 September to 18 October 2017.

FORMIDABLE SHIELD 17 is an exercise aimed to improve allied interoperability in a live-fire, Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) environment, using NATO command and control reporting structures.

8 force contributing NATO Nations, 14 ships, more than 10 aircraft, and approximately 3300 personnel will participate in the exercise, providing an opportunity to simulate real world operations, highlighted by combined IAMD and air defence live-fire engagements.

For the first time, an exercise in the European theatre will include a no-notice launch of ballistic and air defence targets and will test the live-fire version of the SMART DEFENCE concept, which involves air defence units protecting ballistic missile defence units.

Responsible for command and control of NATO Maritime Ballistic Missile Defence forces, STRIKFORNATO will execute the exercise from its headquarters in Oeiras, Portugal, on behalf of the U.S. 6^thFleet. The exercise will further develop the Allied nations’ ability to operate amongst one another, enhancing unit cohesion and providing tremendous training value for all involved.

Simultaneous to exercise FORMIDABLE SHIELD 17, a large portion of STRIKFORNATO’s staff will be deploying to the United States to serve on the Combined Forces Maritime Component Command staff in exercise BOLD ALLIGATOR 17, demonstrating STRIKFORNATO’s robust capabilities and high demand.

STRIKFORNATO is a rapidly deployable maritime headquarters that provides scalable command and control across the full spectrum of the Alliance's fundamental security tasks. Comprised of 12 nations, STRIKFORNATO focuses on Joint Maritime Expeditionary Operations, mainly through the integration of U.S. naval and amphibious forces into NATO operations.