The exercise takes place on the territory of eastern Poland, with the participation of troops from all 18th Mechanized Division’s units and soldiers of allied forces from the United States and Great Britain.

On Tuesday, September 20, at the training grounds in Nowa Dęba, the head of the Ministry of National Defense observed the joint training of the 18th Mechanized Division and Allied troops , who participate shoulder to shoulder in the largest exercise on Polish soil this year.

- We build interoperability through synchronization of the work of soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces with that of the troops of allied nations. We just have had the opportunity to observe joint exercises, aimed at testing the efficiency and skills of Polish, American, and British troops. They have passed the test with flying colors, I know that already. I have talked with commanders and they were highly impressed by the skills displayed by all participants

– said the Deputy Prime Minister, watching the exercising soldiers of the "Iron Division".

- It is important for this process to continue, to evolve. Mainly, this is an exercise of the 18th “Iron” Mechanized Division’s soldiers. Its primary mission is to ensure the safety of our country. The 18th Division is modelled on the American standards. It shall very soon be equipped with Abrams’ and Apaches, and we all have just witnessed what they are capable of when working together. We have seen that they are an imperishable dam

- noted the head of the Ministry of National Defense.

- I express my gratitude for building  the military interoperability of our troops. We have witnessed with our own eyes just how well these soldiers work together. I sincerely thank my colleagues: the United States Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, and the United Kingdom Secretary of Defense, Ben Wallace, for decisions to significantly increase the visibility of US and UK troops in Poland in wake of the Russian invasion on the Ukraine

– underlined the Deputy Prime Minister.

- Our membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization guarantees our security, but this membership is also comprehensive. It has not always been the case.  Previously, we were forced to rely on the help of others to defend Poland. Now, the Polish Armed Forces are strong enough to not only be a recipient but also a provider of security. This is precisely the principle of interoperability. This is the principle of cooperation between the armed forces of the NATO member countries.

– said the head of the Ministry of Defense.

NIEDŹWIEDŹ’22 strengthens the interoperability of allied forces, as it is an exercise based on the joint efforts of three different types of tanks (Poles on Leopards, Americans on Abrams, and British on Challengers), supported by the aviation.

During the exercise, the Commands of the 19th Mechanized Brigade’s and 18th Logistics Regiment’s combat readiness will be certified - this includes assessment of their abilities to plan and conduct operational tasks.

As emphasized by the Deputy Prime Minister, until 2015 the government of the PO-PSL coalition, and the left-wing government before that, was disbanding military units - to the detriment of Poland’s security.

- The year 2011 was particularly bad. For instance, the 1st Warsaw Mechanized Division was disbanded by the government of the PO-PSL coalition. It made the territory of Eastern Poland vulnerable. Other units were also disbanded, for example, the Mechanized Brigade in Lublin. Today, the soldiers of the reactivated Mechanized Brigade in Lublin train at this very training ground.

– reminded Deputy Prime Minister, Mariusz Błaszczak.

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The formation of the 18th Mechanized Division began in 2018, according to the decision of the head of the Ministry of National Defense, M. Błaszczak. The 18th "Iron Division" is one of the key elements of the reconstruction and factual strengthening the defense potential of the so-called NATO’s Eastern flank. In June 2021, the Division reached full operational readiness.

The 18th Mechanized Division consists of:  1st Warsaw Armored Brigade in Wesoła, the 21st Podhale Rifle Brigade in Rzeszów, the 19th Mechanized Brigade in Lublin, as well as the 18th Logistics Regiment in Łomża, and the 18th Command Battalion in Siedlce. Also, the 18th Anti-Aircraft Regiment in Sitaniec near Zamość, the 18th Artillery Regiment in Nowa Dęba, and the 18th Reconnaissance Battalion in Biała Podlaska are currently being formed.