Thousands of Danish soldiers begin largest exercise since Cold War

Thousands of soldiers began a military exercise in Denmark on Thursday that is being described as the country's largest since the Cold War, broadcaster DR reported.

Soldiers from Denmark’s volunteer military force, the Home Guard, are taking part in Exercise Bluetooth, with up to 6,500 volunteers from the Army Home Guard alongside personnel from the Naval Home Guard and Air Force Home Guard.

The exercise comes after a recent threat assessment from Denmark’s intelligence services warning that Russia could intensify its hybrid warfare activities, including more frequent attacks against the West and NATO.

Exercise Bluetooth aims to prepare the volunteer force to respond to hybrid warfare and acts of sabotage.

“Our tasks are becoming even more relevant. This places certain demands on us, and we need to increase our training somewhat,” Major General Gunner Arpe Nielsen told DR.

The exercise is expected to run through Sunday.