The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) wrapped up its participation in NATO's largest exercise in decades, Exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER 2024. The final sub-exercise under the STEADFAST DEFENDER umbrella was Exercise SPRING STORM in Estonia, which ended on May 17, 2024.
Exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER 24 ran from end of January to end of May, with approximately 1,000 CAF members participating in various exercises across Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe. Our sailors, soldiers, aviators, and special forces members demonstrated NATO's ability to conduct sustained, multi-domain defence operations alongside our allies over these four months.
Highlights included the participation of Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) personnel in Exercise NORDIC RESPONSE in Norway; the participation of His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown with its embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter in Exercise DYNAMIC GUARD and Exercise JOINT WARRIOR; and the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Battlegroup Latvia's participation in Exercise CRYSTAL ARROW in Latvia and Exercise SPRING STORM in Estonia.
The CAF's participation in Exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER 24 emphasizes the critical role of combat readiness and preparedness in NATO's collective defence strategy, contributing to the stability and security of the Euro-Atlantic region. The CAF's ability to engage in and sustain multi-domain operations over several months not only enhances our own operational readiness but also strengthens NATO's deterrence posture and defensive capabilities. This versatility was demonstrated through various exercises conducted in varied environments, underscoring the CAF's capabilities to rapidly adapt to new situations. Exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER served as an opportunity to reinforce Canada's commitment to the collective defence of NATO Allies and ensure sustained peace and security in Europe and the North Atlantic region.
