Romania. Eastern Flank: Dacian Fall 2024, the largest NATO exercise this autumn
The multinational exercise Dacian Fall 2024 of the Command of the Multinational Division Southeast took place between October 14-31 in the Getica National Joint Training Center in Cincu (in central Romania).
Lăcrămioara Simion, 06.11.2024, 14:00
The multinational exercise Dacian Fall 2024 of the Command of the Multinational Division Southeast took place between October 14-31 in the Getica National Joint Training Center in Cincu (in central Romania). The exercise was attended by approximately 1,500 soldiers from Romania, Belgium, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, the United States of America and France, as a framework nation, simultaneously in the Cincu, Smârdan (east), Capu Midia (south- east) and Bogata (northwest).
Brigadier General Loïc Girard, France’s high military representative in Romania, present at the event, said that quote: ‘The scenario of the exercise was a fictitious one, in which we faced a potential aggressor-enemy. We aimed, through this scenario, to be able to regroup and have a good overall maneuvering of the entire joint and combined arms capability. You saw, at the beginning of the exercise, fighter jets from Spain, fighter jets from Romania, helicopters, drones, battle tanks, reconnaissance vehicles and so on. So, all of these capabilities are able to deploy, train and eventually fight if needed, said Loïc Girard.
Participating in the exercise were also IAR 330 Puma Socat and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the Romanian Air Force, as well as F-18 aircraft of the Spanish Air Force, deployed in our country for the Enhanced Air Policing service. The exercise is part of the series of training events aimed at strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense posture on the alliance’s eastern flank.
On the other hand, the Romanian Defense Minister, Angel Tîlvăr, met the other day in Bucharest with his counterpart from the Kingdom of Norway, Bjørn Arild Gram. The discussions between the two officials focused on topical issues regarding regional security in the context of the conflict in Ukraine and the impact of the war in the neighboring country on the regions of strategic importance for Romania and Norway: the Black Sea, the Western Balkans and the Far North.
The substantial support that Norway provides to Romania in relation to the purchase of an advanced Patriot surface-to-air missile system was another important topic of discussion. The financial contribution of approximately 127 million dollars offered by Norway to Romania is provided within the Immediate Action on Air Defense Initiative, coordinated by Germany. This funding reflects Norway’s commitment to Euro-Atlantic security and the concrete support given to Romania in replacing the Patriot system Romanian donated to Ukraine.
Also in Bucharest, the Secretary of State for Defense Policy, Planning and International Relations, Simona Cojocaru, received the visit of her German counterpart, Benedikt Zimmer, Secretary of State at the Federal Ministry of Defense. The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen strategic dialogue and deepen bilateral cooperation in the field of defense. The talks between the two officials focused on the global and regional security situation, with an emphasis on the latest developments in the conflict in Ukraine and their impact on European security. The Romanian official emphasized the importance of continuing support for Ukraine, especially in the context of recent Russian attacks on critical infrastructure, and highlighted Romania’s contribution by donating a Patriot system, essential for the defense of the Ukrainian airspace. (LS, Andra Barbul)
