Brunssum, The Netherlands – NATO’s ability to rapidly scale forces in response to evolving threats was put to the test during Exercise Oak Resolve, held at Ādaži Military Base, Latvia, from February 21-28. The exercise marked a pivotal milestone, validating the combat readiness of NATO’s Multinational Brigade Latvia, which recently expanded from a battlegroup to a full brigade.
Exercises like Oak Resolve ensure NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory
Under the operational oversight of Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS), more than 2,000 troops from 14 NATO nations participated in high-intensity, multinational combat scenarios. The ability to integrate and scale forces effectively is a cornerstone of NATO’s deterrence posture in the Baltic region. “Upscaling from battlegroup to brigade strength is not just about numbers—it’s about readiness, interoperability, and deterrence,” stated General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta, Commander JFC Brunssum. “Exercises like Oak Resolve ensure NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory.”
The exercise was supported by the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, deploying over 100 Observer Controller Trainers and 150 additional personnel. This marked the first time Canada conducted a brigade-level combat readiness evaluation outside its borders. Additionally, Oak Resolve saw the Swedish Army’s first participation in a NATO combat readiness assessment.
As a certification event, Oak Resolve reinforced NATO’s robust defensive posture on its eastern flank. By demonstrating the brigade’s ability to operate in contested environments, the exercise sent a clear message: NATO forces under JFC Brunssum’s command remain highly capable, adaptable, and ready to respond at scale to any threat in the region.
