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Jan 29 2021

STRIKFORNATO participates in the first phase of the NATO Exercise STEADFAST ARMOUR 2021

OEIRAS, PORTUGAL - Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) participated in the first phase of the NATO Exercise STEADFAST ARMOUR 2021 (STAR-21) in collaboration with the U.S. European Air and Missile Defense Exercise (EAMDEX), Jan. 25-26, 2021.

STAR-21 is NATO's premier exercise for the rehearsal of the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) mission, executed from the operational to the tactical (unit) levels, utilizing existing plans and procedures in a simulated scenario defending NATO European populations, territory and forces.

The integration of US and NATO commands, along with further improvements of the command and control systems, advances the capability and effectiveness of NATO BMD.

STAR-21 is NATO's premier exercise for the rehearsal of the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) mission, executed from the operational to the tactical (unit) levels, utilizing existing plans and procedures in a simulated scenario defending NATO European populations, territory and forces.

STRIKFORNATO personnel focused on the planning and execution of the NATO BMD mission, working with various NATO and US headquarters around Europe (NATO Allied Air Command, NATO Maritime Command, U.S. European Command, U.S. Sixth Fleet and U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa - 603rd Air and Space Operations Center), against ballistic missiles attacks from outside the Euro-Atlantic area.

In 2021, the STAR-21 exercise is taking place in conjunction with other NATO nations’ exercises, ensuring the readiness of NATO and national forces during the COVID-19 pandemic and STRIKFORNATO’s ability to conduct this vital mission. STRIKFORNATO is just one of the many commands actively involved in the exercise and remains a key part of the maritime element of the Alliance’s collective defence.

"The integration of US and NATO commands, along with further improvements of the command and control systems, advances the capability and effectiveness of NATO BMD. STAR-21 marks a key milestone in the continuing U.S. European Phased Adaptive Approach and NATO Missile Defense program,” said Vice Adm. Gene Black, Commander STRIKFORNATO and Commander U.S. Sixth Fleet.

NATO BMD is part of the Alliance’s response against increasing threats posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles and its core task of collective defence. NATO BMD is purely defensive and designed to defeat threats from outside the Euro-Atlantic area.

STEADFAST ARMOUR 2021 is the premier missile defence exercise of the year for NATO, showcasing the fusion of sensors, weapon systems, and operators’ abilities to meet current and future threats to the Alliance.

Story by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO

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