NATO’s biggest drills since the Cold War send a signal to Russia and aim for a real-life feel

By JOHN LEICESTER
Associated Press

ABOARD THE FRENCH FRIGATE NORMANDIE (AP) — Large NATO drills in the frigid fjords of northern Norway may be just war games meant to hone the skills of the newly expanded 32-nation military alliance in the event of conflict. But they are very real for troops taking part in them. NATO is baring its fangs in its biggest exercises since the Cold War. The drills that are underway now send an unmistakable message to Russia that alliance members are ready to defend each other if needed. The Associated Press saw a French navy frigate track down and “destroy” a submarine as part of the drills this week. No torpedoes were fired but the exercise shows how soldiers are trained.