The first joint military exercise between Serbia and NATO, titled "NATO-Serbia," has commenced near Bujanovac. Organized by the Serbian Army Command and the Allied Joint Force Command Naples, the exercise is scheduled to run until May 23.

Approximately 600 Serbian Armed Forces members, alongside personnel from Italy, Romania, and Turkey, are participating in the exercise. The two-week field activities will focus on peace support operations, including base security, checkpoint work, mass gathering control, and urban combat scenarios.

Colonel Branislav Stevanovic, Deputy Commander of the 3rd Army Brigade, is leading the exercise. Military planners and observers from France, Germany, Italy, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States are also present.

According to the Defense Ministry, the exercise is part of the Partnership for Peace program, fostering mutually beneficial cooperation within the region. It aims to preserve peace and stability, enhance operational capabilities, and strengthen confidence and mutual understanding. The Ministry also noted that international exercises improve the Serbian Armed Forces' ability to carry out a wide range of tasks, including peacekeeping operations, and confirm Serbia's commitment to regional peace and stability.