Germany, together with Japan and other international partners – the United States, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the Netherlands – is preparing for the medical service challenges of potential crises and conflicts. In the Keen Sword exercise from 19 to 29 October 2026, procedures, capabilities, and the cooperation of the participating medical services will be practiced under realistic conditions.
This is not solely about medical treatment procedures. What matters is the overall interaction: from wounded care and evacuation to leadership and communications structures, up to coordination among the participating nations. The close partnership with Japan underscores the importance of robust partnerships beyond Europe.
Keen Sword trains cooperation ahead of the onset of a crisis
Different national procedures and experiences are brought together in the joint training – with the aim of being able to act for one another in the decisive moment. For the support command, the exercise is therefore more than a snapshot: it is part of a long-term preparation for national and alliance defense. Capabilities must be built, structures tested, and cooperation practiced before a crisis occurs.
“We cannot begin preparing for the real emergency only when the emergency is already here,” said Generaloberstabsarzt Dr. Ralf Hoffmann, Commander of the Medical Service of the Bundeswehr. “Our responsibility is to ensure today the prerequisites for Germany to be capable of acting tomorrow—and that our partners know: they can rely on us.”
