Nato supersonic jets and massive military vehicles storm a beach in … – The Sun

Some 6,000 troops from 14 countries are taking part in the alliances Baltops (Baltic Operations) exercise in Poland and Germany this month

SUPERSONIC bombers have spearheaded an amphibious assault as part of a massive Nato military exercise on Russias doorstep.

Some 6,000 troops from 14 countries are taking part in the alliances Baltops (Baltic Operations) exercise in the Batlic Sea this month.

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Dramatic pictures show troops storming a beach in Ustka, Poland, yesterday.

Soldiers and vehicles charged ashore as aircraft whizzed by overhead in a terrifying display of force.

The manoeuvres began in Szczecin, Poland, on June 1, and will end in Kiel, Germany, tomorrow.

The aim of the exercise which is taking place in Russias backyard is for Nato and its allies to strengthen cooperation.

US Navy Vice Admiral Christopher Grady said: What we want to do is practice and demonstrate the ability to deliver sea control and power projection at and from the sea.

Baltops involves troops from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the UK, the US, Finland and Sweden.

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Some 50 ships and submarines and over 50 aircraft were also present for the drills including B-1 and B-52 bombers, and F-16 fighter jets.

US Navy Commander Edward Chandler said: This exercise is a great opportunity for the United States, Nato allies and partners to practice air and maritime integration.

Baltops is not a new event, and has been taking place since 1972.

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Grady added: Weve maintained a consistent level of participation over the last couple of years.

Its a very large exercise with a lot of moving parts and the participants will provide that realistic and challenging training were looking for.

The exercise comes after US B-52 bombers were intercepted over the Baltic by Russian fighter jets.

SU-27s were deployed to head off the aircraft, which the US says were flying in international airspace at the time.

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The Baltic has been a source of tension between Nato and Russia in recent times, with both sides building up their military presence in the region.

Baltic States like Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania fear they could be next on Vladimir Putins hit-list after Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2014.

Just last month, Russia announced it was planning to beef up its Baltic fleet with new warships and fighter jets.

According to an analyst writing for state-owned Sputnik News, the deployment is in response to aggressive manoeuvres by Nato powers.

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Nato supersonic jets and massive military vehicles storm a beach in ... - The Sun