NATO Launches Largest Military Exercise in a Decade

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NATO launched its largest military exercise in more than a decade this week.

The exercise is called “Trident Juncture” and brings 36,000 troops together from more than 30 nations. It takes place in Italy, Spain and Portugal and lasts for three weeks.

The alliance needs to be ready if a mission emerges, says NATO Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Alexander Vershbow.

NATO could be asked to intervene in conflict zones like the Middle East, North Africa, Syria and Ukraine.

Vershbow says the alliance needs to be ready and flexible.

“We are very concerned about the Russian military build-up,” Vershbow said.

The exercises were planned two years ago. They will test a force of 5,000 troops from air, maritime and special operations units.

Officials have made up a scenario for the troops: They will protect a state and its seas under threat, according to a Reuters report.

I'm Jill Robbins

Jonas Bernstein reported on this story for VOANews.com. Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor.