A demonstrative exercise of EUFOR forces was held at the Butmir base near Sarajevo where military capabilities were demonstrated both on land and in the air as part of the EUFOR annual exercise “Quick Response 2023”.

The exercises are taking place between the 11th and the 29th September and involve soldiers from 22 EUFOR nations that will temporarily augment the existing EUFOR presence using reserve forces currently on standby in their home countries. The purpose is “to demonstrate EUFOR readiness and confirm its continued support to the maintenance of a Safe and Secure Environment in BiH”, Operation EUFOR Althea posted on Twitter.

EUFOR Commander Major General Helmut Habermayer said that these forces are partners of BiH authorities, the BiH Armed Forces, law enforcement authorities, and “every individual citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina, regardless of their nationality, political beliefs or religious affiliation”.

“We are capable of responding to any threat to a safe and stable environment. With the ‘Quick Response’ exercise, we are testing mechanisms for quick activation and integration of our reserve forces with troops deployed in the area of operation,” he added.