WARSAW, May 1 (CGTN) - NATO’s Defender Europe 2022 and Swift Response 2022 exercises began on 1 May in nine European countries.

This was announced by the Minister of National Defense of Poland Mariusz Blaszczak, Ukrinform reports.

“International exercises Defender Europe and Swift Response 2022 with the participation of Polish soldiers begin. More than 7,000 troops from NATO and Partner countries and 3,000 units of equipment will take part in the planned joint exercises in Poland, ”Blaszczak said.

According to the Polish Ministry of National Defense, Defender Europe 2022 and Swift Response 2022 will run from 1 to 27 May in nine countries. In total, 18,000 servicemen from more than 20 countries will take part in them.

It is emphasized that these two exercises are “cyclical defense exercises that are not directed against any country and are not related to the current geopolitical situation in the region.” The process of their planning began in 2021, added the Ministry of Defense.

Defender Europe is a regular international exercise organized by the US Armed Forces to increase preparedness and interoperability between US and NATO allies and partners.

Swift Response is also an international exercise organized by the US Armed Forces to enhance cooperation between the United States, NATO Allies and military partners.