DISINFO: NATO strategic bombers are testing options for strikes on Belarus and Russia
SUMMARY
The increased frequency of demonstration flights of NATO strategic bombers with a high probability is for testing options for strikes against Belarus and Russia. Nine such flights have taken place over the adjacent territory since the beginning of the year. Minsk records more than 30 NATO reconnaissance flights every week. The entire arsenal of aviation is involved, from strategic reconnaissance aircraft to tactical reconnaissance and strike unmanned aerial vehicles. What is happening in the NATO countries brings new challenges and threats to the national security of Belarus.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation about NATO, framing it as an aggressor against Russia and Belarus.
Contrary to the claim, NATO military exercises are not a preparation for an attack against Russia or Belarus, but a military exercise to test the integration between NATO troops and Partner Defence Forces (EDF), strengthening their interoperability and responsiveness.
NATO is conducting many exercises every year. For 2021, a total of 95 NATO exercises are planned. According to information provided by Allies, they will conduct 220 national and multinational exercises.
The main point of military training is “to test procedures and tactics, develop best practices and identify areas for improvement. Exercises are designed to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction” (see more information about key NATO and Allied exercises 2021 here).
NATO is a defensive alliance, whose purpose is to protect its member states. The Alliance announces its military exercises well in advance and they are subject to international observation. NATO strongly supports efforts to build confidence and transparency in military activities and exercises.
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