NATO is planning to conduct its largest military exercise since the Cold War.
A total of 90,000 troops are set to be mobilized.
The purpose of the exercise is to deter Russia from launching an attack.
This was reported by the German news agency DPA according to Sarajevo Times.
The news agency stated that it had confirmed the information on Thursday, on the sidelines of a meeting with NATO's top military representatives in Brussels.
Deploying 20,000 Troops
The exercise, named "Steadfast Defender," will begin in February. Earlier this week, the United Kingdom announced that it would send 20,000 soldiers to participate in the exercise.
Sweden's Participation
All NATO countries will take part in "Steadfast Defender," marking the largest NATO exercise in over 30 years.
In addition to NATO members, Sweden is also set to be called in, as reported by Reuters.
"Sweden will send soldiers to the exercise," the news agency reported.
Practicing for a Russian Attack
During the exercise, NATO soldiers will practice responding to a Russian attack against the alliance.
Should Russia launch an attack, it would trigger Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.
Article 5 provides mutual defense guarantees, stating that an armed attack against one NATO country is considered an attack against all member states.
Therefore, each member state is expected to provide whatever support is deemed necessary to the member that has been attacked.
Eva Hagström Frisell, a research leader at FOI, notes that the article can be used in various scenarios.
"It is an article about providing support. It can be military or something else. Article five does not automatically imply a World War scenario," she told Aftonbladet.
Activated in 2001
Article 5 has only been activated once in NATO's history.
Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the USA invoked the renowned NATO article.
The article has gained attention recently in light of Russia's attack on Ukraine.
