NATO Neptune Strike Exercises Simulate Attacks Near Russia's Kaliningrad

From 17‑23 July, NATO will conduct the multi‑domain exercise Neptune Strike, involving maritime, air and ground forces from 12 member states. The drills aim to test NATO’s ability to integrate and command multinational forces, simulate long‑range cruise‑missile attacks and blockades near the heavily militarised Russian exclave of Kaliningrad in the Baltic Sea.

The exercises focus on the Suwałki corridor – a narrow land strip linking the Baltic states with the rest of the Alliance – which analysts say could be used by Russia for hybrid or conventional operations. Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed the Kremlin on “maximum alert,” warning that NATO could occupy Kaliningrad if it attacks a neighbouring country via the corridor. The maneuvers also include electronic‑action missions and coordination with other NATO activities such as Baltic Sentry and Arctic Sentry.