Krapović: "Common Challenge 26" the largest international military exercise so far on the territory of Montenegro

Krapović: "Common Challenge 26" the largest international military exercise so far on the territory of Montenegro Over the next ten days, members of the Montenegrin Army and the armed forces of the United States, North Macedonia, Slovenia, Austria, and Spain will practice mountain operations in the areas of Kolašin, Žabljak, Nikšić, and Šavnik. The exercise, which brought together more than 500 members of allied and partner armed forces, represents another important opportunity to improve interoperability, exchange experiences, and strengthen readiness for joint action. The exercise director, Captain Goran Đurković, emphasized that the mountain environment requires a high level of preparedness, coordination, and adaptation, making it particularly important to test procedures and capabilities of units and command posts through realistic and practical training. Reflecting on the significance of "Common Challenge 26," Defense Minister Dragan Krapović stated that the Montenegrin Army's ability to operate alongside allies and partners is built not only through formal agreements and planning documents but primarily through joint training, direct work, experience sharing, and mutual trust. Trust is built through close joint work, interoperability is developed through joint training, and readiness is demonstrated by the ability to act together, which is the greatest value of such multinational exercises," Krapović said. "The Montenegrin Army must be prepared to provide support in situations requiring engagement in difficult-to-access areas, including search and rescue, evacuation, and care for those in danger," he concluded.