NATO Concludes Steadfast Deterrence 2026 After Alliance-Wide Command Test

Overview

• NATO ended the Steadfast Deterrence 2026 exercise on May 13, closing a near week-and-a-half computer-assisted command-post drill.
• All 32 allies took part, and for the first time every Allied Command Operations headquarters joined, including Joint Force Command Norfolk.
• Teams ran a realistic, 360-degree crisis to activate NATO's integrated defense plans for the Euro-Atlantic area, known as the DDA, with a focus on the Arctic and High North.
• The exercise piloted AI-assisted training under the Audacious Training initiative to increase realism and adaptability in strategic training.
• SHAPE scheduled the drill and the Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger directed it, with national teams including Romania using the event to improve interoperability.