2 photos show why messing with NATO in the Baltics would be a very bad idea

For the 44th year, NATO's BALTOPS exercise is underway in the Baltic region. With 17 nations, 6,100 maritime, ground and air force troops, these two impressive photos depict NATO’s strong commitment to the security and stability of the Baltics — in land and sea.

A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress leads a formation of aircraft including two Polish air force F-16 Fighting Falcons, four US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, two German Eurofighter Typhoons and four Swedish Gripens over the Baltic Sea.

BALTOPS 2016 participants steam in formation during an exercise. As the flagship for Striking and Support Forces NATO, USS Mount Whitney serves as the command and control platform.