Distinguished Visitors Day held during “Platinum Wolf 26” exercise; Titolo: A symbol of the ever-deepening U.S.–Serbia partnership

The Distinguished Visitors Day of the international tactical exercise “Platinum Wolf 26” was held today at the Borovac training ground near Bujanovac. The exercise director, Lieutenant Colonel Sasa Vuckovic of the Serbian Armed Forces, stated that the objective of the exercise is to enhance the training, interoperability and mutual understanding of members of the armed forces of partner countries. Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy, Alexander Titolo, emphasized that the exercise benefits all participants and serves as a symbol of the ever-deepening partnership between the United States and Serbia.

The event was attended by Serbian Minister of Defence Bratislav Gasic, Azerbaijani Minister of Defence Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces General Milan Mojsilovic, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina Colonel General Gojko Knezevic, as well as members of the collegiums of the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the General Staff, and representatives of the armed forces of participating countries and the military-diplomatic corps.

According to a statement issued by the Serbian Ministry of Defence, approximately 600 members of the Serbian Armed Forces and the armed forces of Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, North Macedonia, the United States, Montenegro and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland took part in the 11th edition of the international tactical exercise “Platinum Wolf 26.”

Lieutenant Colonel Sasa Vuckovic of the Fourth Army Brigade, who directed the exercise, noted that its purpose was the exchange of experience, as well as the enhancement of training and mutual understanding among members of the armed forces of partner nations.

“I believe that all participating units achieved the exercise objectives, which could be clearly seen in the demonstration of their ability to respond jointly to various situations in the field. We have been conducting the ‘Platinum Wolf’ exercise in Serbia since 2014 with the support of the United States European Command. This exercise reflects the commitment of the Serbian Armed Forces to cooperation with partner countries in preserving peace and stability,” Lieutenant Colonel Vuckovic said.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Alexander Titolo stated that the exercise demonstrated professionalism, readiness and cooperation among partner countries.

“This exercise delivers tangible benefits to all participants, including greater interoperability, improved operational readiness, professional military development, and the exchange of tactics and skills. In addition, it is a visible symbol of the ever-deepening partnership between the United States and Serbia,” Titolo said, adding that Serbia plays a key role in maintaining stability in the Balkans.

Colonel Jonathan Stewart of the Ohio National Guard emphasized that the National Guard is particularly proud to be celebrating 20 years of partnership with Serbia this year.

“Over the past 20 years, we have partnered with the Serbian Armed Forces in numerous activities, including the multinational exercise ‘Platinum Wolf.’ During these two decades, we have shared experiences, conducted joint activities and built lasting friendships,” Colonel Stewart noted.

During the two-week exercise, participants trained at Base South, the Borovac training ground and the Vrtogos firing range complex, practicing tactics, techniques and procedures through a series of tactical scenarios, including base, facility and convoy security, patrolling, area cordon and search operations, as well as urban combat operations.

Following the exercise, Minister Gasic and Chief of the General Staff General Mojsilovic visited the participants and congratulated them on the successful completion of their tasks, their high level of professionalism and their demonstrated capability to perform complex missions. On that occasion, they underscored the importance of such exercises for the exchange of experience and the strengthening of cooperation with partner armed forces.

The Ministry of Defence further stated that the significance of the “Platinum Wolf” exercise lies in enhancing the Serbian Armed Forces’ capacity to plan, organize and conduct international exercises. In addition to improving the capabilities of commands and units, participation in international exercises reaffirms Serbia’s commitment to cooperation with all partners and to the preservation of peace and stability.