NATO held exercises without U.S. participation for the first time
Near Iceland, NATO countries are practicing detecting and countering Russian submarines. This year, for the first time, no U.S. ships or aircraft are participating in the exercises.
German reconnaissance aircraft, Canadian ships, and Belgian fighter jets have been deployed for the maneuvers. A French commander is leading the operation.
The exercises are taking place in the GIUK area—a strategic region between Greenland, Iceland, and the United Kingdom. Russian nuclear submarines can use this route to leave their bases on the Kola Peninsula and enter the Atlantic.
According to Politico, the absence of U.S. forces demonstrates a shift in the U.S. role in the region. At the same time, NATO emphasizes the need to maintain a permanent presence in the North Atlantic.
Source: Politico.
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