NATO's newest rapid reaction force is testing its might in Romania, just a few kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

In the Smardan region of Romania, about 50 kilometers from the border with Moldova and Ukraine, NATO's European forces are conducting the largest military exercise of the year (Steadfast Dart 2025), VOA writes, KosovaPress reports.

Ten thousand soldiers from nine alliance member countries are participating in the exercise.

In these exercises, soldiers test their strength and speed, while demonstrating their ability to react on NATO's eastern flank, without the presence of the American military.

The British Army is leading the exercises, which will also take place in Bulgaria and Greece.

"These exercises are very important because we practice the rapid deployment of allied forces. I am proud that they are taking place in Romania. It is also important to take care of the interaction between our soldiers and our units," says General Gheorghita Vlad, Chief of Staff of the Romanian Defense Staff.

For soldiers on the ground, the exercise is a test of NATO's unity and ability to respond near the border as the war in Ukraine continues. Russian drones and missile debris targeting Ukraine have fallen in the region.

Thousands of troops are training in complex battle scenarios, coordinating maneuvers on NATO's eastern flank. As part of the exercise, more than 700 military vehicles were transported by land, air and sea to test NATO's ability to rapidly deploy forces under the conditions of a real attack.

The exercise coincides with the third anniversary of Russian aggression in Ukraine, where the fighting has spurred the rapid development of military tactics and capabilities.

"Warfare is always changing and adapting. The inclusion of drones is an important new addition. NATO is studying and training for this and adapting to new capabilities," says Admiral Stuart Munsch, commander of the US Navy for Europe and Africa, VOA writes.

The American commander says allied countries also bring their expertise.

"We exchange expertise in NATO and also some of the new equipment that we have brought in. All countries are very active in developing these new capabilities," he says.

European allies say the exercises help soldiers learn to operate without American involvement, although the United States says it remains committed to the NATO alliance.

"The United States is among the founding and leading nations of NATO. Secretary Hegseth said that while some changes may be needed, we are still fully committed to NATO," says Admiral Stuart Munsch, commander of the US Navy for Europe and Africa.

Meanwhile, the exercises show that NATO is strengthening its eastern defenses, ready for any challenge.