'Quick Response 2018' will practice EUFOR's capability to call in reserve forces to reinforce and maintain a safe and secure environment in support of local authorities, law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This annual international exercise involves EUFOR's Multinational Battalion, the elements of the reserve Forces from Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania and the United Kingdom. It includes also the NATO Kosovo Force Tactical Reserve Battalion, travelling from Kosovo to support the exercise. The exercise will be conducted equally in the territories of the Federation, the Republika Srpska and the Brcko District.
These Reserve Forces will also take the opportunity to take part in combined training activities with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina on completion of the exercise.
The soldiers arriving today are from the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment and are commonly known as "The Paras".
In the coming days The Paras equipment will arrive aboard an Antonov 124 aircraft which is one of the largest transport aircraft in the world. This aircraft will land at Sarajevo International Airport and deliver a number of vehicles, some large trucks and other equipment the troops will need for the Exercise.
EUFOR are very grateful for the cooperation of our friends at Sarajevo International Airport for dealing with the aircraft in what is a very busy time of year for them. Their professionalism and dedication play a big part in the success of the exercise.