The war in Ukraine has reignited the neutrality debate. The “Krone” in Slovenia has been able to observe how close the cooperation between the armed forces and NATO already is.
The dull lightning bolts in the distance quickly become the usual background noise here in Prestranek, Slovenia. Only interrupted by emerging fields of fog, there is shooting here all day long, with artillery, tanks and – if the weather permits – also from the air. Because once again this year the shooting range is the scene of the “Adriatic Strike”, a multinational military exercise between NATO countries and their allies. Austria falls into the latter category.
Austrian pilots led by Slovaks
The army is on site with PC-7 propeller machines, an OH-58 helicopter, several dozen military personnel and even a “sensor element”, a mobile RAC 3D radar station. “In this way we ensure more safety for ourselves and our partners during the exercise,” explains Colonel Günter Zwickler during a short break in the “Krone” interview. Regardless of their nationality, they practice here: Austrian pilots are radioed to their target by Slovak soldiers, American gunners fire their 105mm guns at the command of a French reconnaissance aircraft. The mighty NATO supports the exercise in logistics and organization.
Joint missions, joint training
How does neutral Austria, which is not allowed to participate in military alliances according to the constitution, fit into this multinational army conglomerate? “As part of the Partnership for Peace, we regularly exercise alongside other international forces,” Defense Secretary Klaudia Tanner told the Krone. Joint training is essential: “Our soldiers are on peacekeeping missions with other nations. Conflicts continue to flare up there, as was the case recently in the Western Balkans,” said the minister.
In the end, the winner is the weather
In Prestranek, meanwhile, a thick blanket of fog covered the target area. The reconnaissance officers no longer see the artillery hits and the exercise has to be interrupted. With all the know-how: not even NATO stands a chance against the weather.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
