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NATO Tests Rapid Brigade Expansion in Eastern Europe During Exercise Dacian Fall 2025

NATO Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples

Oct 22 2025

NATO has successfully completed the first phase of Exercise Dacian Fall 2025, a large-scale, multinational operation testing the Alliance's ability to expand and deploy brigade-sized forces across Europe.

After a few weeks of complex troop and equipment movements, phase one wrapped up on 22 October, highlighting NATO's operational agility, robust logistics and the strength of multinational cooperation on its eastern flank.

The second phase of the exercise, now under way in Romania and Bulgaria, is led by Multinational Division Southeast (MND-SE). Running from 20 October to 13 November, it will engage more than 5,000 troops and 1,200 units of equipment from ten Allied nations.

"A logistical operation of this magnitude requires significant planning and coordination work involving numerous stakeholders, all contributing to the success of the mission" said Lieutenant Colonel Olivier, a logistics officer with the JFC Naples J4.

Allied Joint Force Command Naples played a pivotal role, providing operational-level planning and coordination throughout phase one. Its Joint Logistic Support Group (JLSG) took the lead in overseeing RSOM (Reception, Staging and Onward Movement) operations, ensuring that personnel and equipment arrived at designated training areas efficiently and safely.

"You need the host nation support to help facilitate the coordination," said Brigadier General Vlasie, the JLSG commander, adding that multinational cooperation is essential to NATO's ability to project force rapidly and cohesively.

France, as the framework nation for this multinational brigade, coordinated closely with host and transit nations, including Greece, Bulgaria and Romania.

The deployment relied on a complex, multimodal transportation strategy that used trains, ships and convoys to move the brigade from France to Romania. Brigade expansion operations like Dacian Fall confirm NATO's ability to deploy and sustain combat forces across Allied territory. Phase one aligns with broader NATO efforts to reinforce its deterrence posture in Eastern Europe and enhance operational readiness amid evolving security dynamics.

Now under MND-SE command, participating units will focus on integrating the division's subordinate and affiliated structures in simulated operations during DACIAN FALL 2025. The exercise marks a key milestone: the formal transition of NATO's battlegroups in Romania and Bulgaria to full brigade-level formations.

Dacian Fall 2025 is more than a training event. It is a clear demonstration of NATO's commitment to collective defence, interoperability and the ability to respond rapidly to any threat.

Video by JFC Naples Public Affairs Office