NATO Drills on Russia’s Borders a Preparation for War?

SPUTNIK NEWS – It seems that almost every other day NATO begins a new military drill somewhere around the world, and almost half of them are on Russia’s borders. The Alliance has used the Ukrainian crisis to build up its military presence in Russia’s immediate proximity, and Russian military call it as they see it: NATO is getting ready for war.

NATO has just kicked off its Exercise Noble Partner 2016 at Georgia’s Vaziani Training Area, which will last until May 26.

The drills involve 500 Georgian, 150 United Kingdom and 650 US service members who are incorporating a full range of equipment, including US M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, M119 Light Towed Howitzers and several support vehicles, says the official site of the US Army.

Alongside US forces, Georgian forces are operating their T-72 Main Battle Tanks, BMP-2 Infantry Combat Vehicles and various support vehicles.

The US forces are members of US Army Europe (USAREUR), elements of the US-based Regionally Allocated Force (1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division) contribution to NATO Response Force 2016 and the Georgia State Army and Air National Guard.

In addition, there are three C-130 “Hercules” aircraft from the 165 Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, Garden City, Ga.

There are two more simultaneous military exercises on the territories of the former USSR republic going on right now.

The 6,000-strong Spring Storm in Estonia, which will last until May 19 includes Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany having sent company-sized units to take part in the exercise.

A Canadian team of specialists and Finnish staff officers are also taking part.

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