STDT25 is the first large-scale deployment exercise of NATO’s ARF conducted across various locations within SACEUR’s Area of Responsibility.
STEADFAST DART 25 (STDT25), the principal NATO exercise for 2025, is the first large-scale deployment exercise of NATO’s Allied Reaction Force (ARF) conducted across various geographical locations within SACEUR’s area of responsibility. It is the largest NATO exercise in 2025, with approximately 10,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines from 9 Allies, and it will be based on NATO’s new defence plans.
Exercise Aim: Exercise STEADFAST DART 2025 is the first large-scale deployment of NATO’s Allied Reaction Force (ARF). The aim is to test the deployable capabilities and procedures as well as the interoperability among the troop contributors and host nations.
The NATO Allied Reaction Force (ARF) is a strategic, high-readiness, multi-domain capable force. It provides multi-domain forces from across the Alliance to produce effects at shorter notice than has previously been possible.
STDT25 will demonstrate NATO’s ability to rapidly deploy forces to reinforce NATO assets located along its eastern flank. This reinforcement will occur during a simulated emerging conflict scenario with a near-peer adversary. It will show that NATO Allied Reaction Force (ARF) can conduct and sustain complex operations across thousands of kilometres in the Eastern Europe, and in any condition.
STDT25 will be a clear demonstration of NATO’s unity, strength and determination to continue to do all that is necessary to protect each other, our common values and the rules-based international order. NATO exercises are defensive, transparent, proportionate, and conducted in full respect of our international obligations.
Fast Facts:
- Participation of 10.000 personnel from nine Allies: Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, Romania, Spain, Slovenia, Türkiye, United Kingdom.
- Air, Land, Maritime, and Special Operation Forces will participate.
- 17 naval assets including, amphibious landing ships, frigates, mine countermeasure vessels, destroyers and submarines.
- More than 20 aircraft including EF2000, F16, AV 8B HARRIER, A400.
- More than 1.500 military vehicles including Battle Tanks, Rockets Launchers, Self-propelled Artillery, Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs).
Dates: January to 21 February 2025 ~ STDT25 in Bulgaria, Greece and Romania.
- From the beginning of January to 07 of February 2025, the exercise will focus on the deployment of ARF from France, Italy, Slovenia, Spain, Türkiye and United Kingdom to Bulgaria, Greece and Romania, by air, sea and land to reinforce the Eastern Flank of the Alliance.
- From 07 February to 21 February 2025, the exercise, led by NRDC-ITA HQ, will focus on the use of NATO and Allied deployed reinforcements across all domains, in the Eastern Flank.
Contributing Nations: Nine NATO Allies.
Countries: STDT25 will take place primarily in Bulgaria, Greece and Romania.
Number of Troops Participating: Overall, approximately 10.000 land and Special Operation Forces from all nine Allies will train together.
Allied assets including:
- 17 naval assets including, amphibious landing ships, frigates, mine countermeasure vessels, destroyers and submarines.
- More than 20 aircraft including EF2000, F16, AV 8B HARRIER, A400.
- More than 1,500 military vehicles including Battle Tanks, Rockets Launchers, Self-Propelled Artillery, Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs).
