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Largest NATO military exercise Trident Juncture 2015

Trident Juncture 2015 is hosted by Italy, Spain and Portugal at 16 different locations with around 36,000 troops from more than 30 nations

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F16 jet fighter jet parked on the tarmac during the opening ceremony of NATO Trident Juncture exercise 2015, in Trapani, Italy

© AP Photo/Antonio Calanni

Jet fighters parked on the tarmac in Trapani, Italy

© AP Photo/Antonio Calanni

Soldiers at Birgi airbase in Trapani, Italy

© AP Photo/Antonio Calanni

Boeing KC-767 aerial refueling and strategic transport aircraft flying along jet fighters during NATO Trident Juncture exercise 2015

© AP Photo/Antonio Calanni

US marine armoured vehicles leaving the beach after getting off from US Navy hovercrafts at Raposa Media beach in Pinheiro da Cruz, south of Lisbon

© AP Photo/Steven Governo

US marines and portuguese fuzileiros lining up to secure US Navy hovercrafts after landing

© AP Photo/Steven Governo

© AP Photo/Steven Governo

© AP Photo/Steven Governo

© AP Photo/Steven Governo

© AP Photo/Steven Governo

US Navy hovercrafts at Raposa Media beach in Pinheiro da Cruz, south of Lisbon

© AP Photo/Steven Governo

© AP Photo/Steven Governo

NATO launched its biggest military exercise in 13 years, mobilizing 36,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen from more than 30 countries, including, along with NATO allies, Austria and Sweden. Trident Juncture 2015 aimed to test the alliance's ability to respond to new security threats is hosted by Italy, Spain and Portugal at 16 different locations. More than 140 aircraft and about 90 ships will take part in this key exercise. The start of the drills - in this photo gallery by TASS.

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