Brussels: Different analysts had warned that ‘Zapad’ military exercises were a practice for a war against Europe. In view of this, NATO also has decided to conduct aggressive military exercises and these exercises will be conducted in Poland and Norway, countries adjacent to the Russian border. A hundred thousand soldiers will be participating in the ‘Anaconda 2018’ to be held in Poland while more than 45,000 soldiers will taking part in the ‘Trident Joining’ in Norway.

Chief of the US ‘Marine Corps’ General Robert Neller, informed about ‘Trident Joining’ exercise to be conducted in Norway. This exercise to be held in October will have more focus on the ‘amphibious’ conflicts. This will be the first exercise of this kind after the cold war, to be held on such a big scale, claimed General Neller. The US officer also indicated that this exercise will be carried out near the Russian border.

Norway is one of the founder members of NATO and since the last few years it has started stressing on its defence preparedness. Norway had signed the agreement for the purchase of ‘F-35’ fifth generation fighters from the US and the first ‘F-35’ fighter has been received by Norway in 2017. Norway has also accepted the proposal to deploy a US marines unit. The exercise ‘Trident Joining’ is considered to be a policy to send warnings to Russia, which has increased its movements in the seas adjoining Norway.

Before the Norway exercises, ‘Anaconda 2018’ military exercise will be held in Poland and more than 100 thousand soldiers are expected to participate. NATO member countries and the NATO partner countries will be participating in the war exercises along with Poland. Poland is deploying around 20,000 soldiers for this exercise. Other than this, there will be 5000 armed vehicles, tanks, heavy artillery, 150 fighter jets and 45 warships participating in the exercise. The highlight of the exercise is the participation of the special forces along with army, navy and air force.

(Courtesy: www.newscast-pratyaksha.com)