NATO Exercises, 1952-1962

In the autumn of 1951, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization began conducting military exercises. These exercises served multiple purposes: They facilitated effective coordination among troops but also sent a robust message to the Soviet Union – showcasing a united, disciplined front against any potential threat.

The records in this briefing book come from the Department of External Affairs’ files on “NATO - Military, naval and air exercises,” and include documents from the 1950s and 1960s.

Close study of these records offers a nuanced understanding of NATO's formative years, marked by strategic manoeuvring, military prowess, and the geopolitical intricacies of the Cold War.