NATO and the army of Serbia have started the first joint military exercises at the “Jugu” base and the Borovci training ground. About 600 troops from Italy, Romania, Turkey and the host country are participating in these maneuvers, which will last until May 23.
During the two weeks in the field, the military will practice defensive tactics and intervention in peacekeeping operations. Colonel Branislav Stevanovic, who leads the exercise, emphasized that the main focus remains the control of mass gatherings and fighting in urban areas.
“This cooperation serves to maintain stability in the region and strengthen trust between our forces,” the Ministry of Defense officially announced. Although Serbia maintains the status of military neutrality, this activity comes as a continuation of the Partnership for Peace program.
Observers from major powers such as the US, Great Britain and France are closely following every movement of troops on the ground. This exercise marks a turning point, as Belgrade had imposed a moratorium on exercises with foreign partners since the start of the war in Ukraine. However, unlike in previous years, there are no longer joint exercises with Russia or Belarus.
