The aim of the operation, codenamed "Determined Effort 2005", is to step up security in Kosovo and send out a clear message to the effect that NATO and the international community are determined in their commitment to guarantee peace and a safe environment in Kosovo, German General Richard Rossmanin told the press on Sunday.
The commander of KFOR's multinational brigades in the South-West sector, Rossmanin said the operation would engage 600 German soldiers, due to arrive in the coming days.
He said the operation was planned last summer and represented a routine exercise of NATO's reserve forces for the purpose of training its troops for swift reaction in the Balkans at any moment.
He added the operation would last throughout the year, with two similar exercises to follow the one ending on April 13.
Rossmanin said the operation was in no way related to the fear of some circles in Kosovo that new riots might recur one year from the March 17 inter-ethnic clashes of last year.
NATO currently has 18,000 troops deployed in Kosovo.