NATO exercise in Lower Saxony: 25 nations simulate an emergency!

NATO exercise in Lower Saxony: 25 nations simulate an emergency!

The NATO exercise “Joint Cooperation” has been running since June 9, 2025 and is bringing more than 300 soldiers from 25 nations to Lower Saxony. The main objective of this exercise is cooperation between military and civilian organizations in the event of an attack on a NATO member country. Loud NDR The focus of this exercise is on the Polish-Lithuanian border area and the defense of NATO's eastern flank.

Colonel Stefan Hofmaier, commander of the Civil-Military Cooperation Command, emphasizes the importance of these exercises in preparing for potential conflicts. “We have to be prepared for all scenarios,” he clarifies. This year the focus is heavily on alliance defense and communication with civil society. To do this, the CIMIC (Civil-Military Cooperation) teams practice exchanging information and working closely with local authorities, such as the mayor, fire department, technical relief agency (THW), police and Red Cross.

A look at the exercise

In total, over 100 role plays are part of the exercise, which aim to collect information about the local population and optimize communication structures with 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 Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK). In its reports, the BBK describes civil-military cooperation as a crucial factor for stability in crisis situations and the reconstruction of infrastructure.

These trainings 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 civilian organizations. Civilian projects carried out by foreign troops strengthen resilience and improve relations with populations that may be directly affected. This strategy is part of the Alliance's comprehensive approach to crisis management operations, as is also evident in NATO's various operations, such as KFOR in Kosovo or air policing over the Baltic States, 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 there is a special focus on the need for alliance defense, which aims to optimize cooperation between NATO countries and civil organizations. The aim is to respond quickly and effectively to threats, which could also be of a military nature.

For all participants, the focus here is on supporting the civilian population. The exchange between institutions such as the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief and the NATO defense alliance is crucial in order to effectively pool different skills and resources. Projects within the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), which has existed since 2017, also aim to improve the interoperability of EU states, as shown on bbk can be read.

The NATO exercise “Joint Cooperation” not only teaches military tactics, but also the human component that is crucial to being able to act effectively in crisis situations. The training ends on June 18, 2025 and is eagerly awaited.