NATO exercise in Lower Saxony: 25 nations simulate emergencies!

NATO exercise in Lower Saxony: 25 nations simulate emergencies!

The NATO exercise "Joint Cooperation" has been running since June 9, 2025 and brings more than 300 soldiers from 25 nations to Lower Saxony. The main goal of this exercise is the cooperation between military and civil organizations in the event of an attack on a NATO member country. According to ndr are in this exercise. Foreground.

Colonel Stefan Hofmaier, commander of the Command of Civil-Military Cooperation, emphasizes the importance of these exercises to prepare for potential conflicts. "We have to be prepared for all scenarios," he clarifies. This year, the focus is on the alliance defense and communication with civil society. For this purpose, the CIMIC teams (Civil Military Cooperation) practice the exchange of information and close cooperation with local authorities such as the mayor, fire brigade, technical relief organization (THW), police and red cross.

A look at the exercise

A total of over 100 role -playing games are part of the exercise that aims at collecting information about the local population and optimizing the communication structures with the local authorities. These forms of civil-military cooperation are extremely important in order to ensure operational readiness and effectiveness in an emergency, confirms the Federal Office for Population Protection and Disaster Aid (BBK). In its reports, the BBK describes civil-military cooperation as a decisive factor for stability in crisis situations and the restoration of infrastructure.

These training not only show the military aggressiveness that is in the room, but also the responsibility that NATO units take on when it comes to working hand in hand with civil organizations. Civil projects carried out by foreign troops strengthen resilience and improve relationships with the population parts that could be directly affected. This strategy is part of the extensive approach of Allianz in crisis management operations, as is visible in the various NATO operations, for example in KFOR in Kosovo or Air Policing over the Baltic States, such as on bpb can be read.

an exercise with many partners

The exercise is carried out annually around Nienburg and has now established itself as an important format. This year, a special focus is on the need for the alliance defense that wants to optimize cooperation between NATO countries and civilian organizations. The goal is a quick and effective reaction to threats that could also be military in nature.

The NATO exercise "Joint Cooperation" not only conveys military tactics, but also the human component, which is crucial in order to be able to act effectively in crisis situations. The training ends on June 18, 2025 and is eagerly awaited.