Massive US-led military exercises DEFENDER 25 begin across Europe

The United States has initiated the deployment of troops and military equipment to Europe for the extensive DEFENDER 25 exercises, which will involve collaboration with NATO allies and partner nations.

According to U.S. European Command, cited by foreign media, approximately 5,400 American soldiers are heading to Europe for the drills scheduled from May 11 to June 24, Caliber.Az reports.

Alongside the U.S., 18 NATO members and partner nations will join in the exercises.

“These large-scale U.S. Army exercises are designed to test the rapid deployment and effectiveness of U.S. forces in Europe, specifically focusing on defending the eastern flank alongside NATO allies and partners. They also demonstrate the U.S. military’s capability to project power over long distances, sustain operations, and support allies from the Arctic to the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions,” the statement emphasised.

The DEFENDER 25 exercises will unfold in three major phases: Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Sabre Guardian. Altogether, about 25,000 troops from the U.S., NATO members, and partners will work on improving coordination, enhancing tactics, and achieving better equipment interoperability.

The first phase, Swift Response, will run from May 11 to May 31 and will feature five airborne operations across Finland, Norway, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden. These operations will focus on boosting essential battlefield capabilities in the far northern and Baltic regions.

In the second phase, Immediate Response, around 12,000 soldiers from allied and partner nations will practice cyber defence operations from May 26 to June 9 in eight countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovakia.

The final phase, Sabre Guardian, will take place from June 9 to June 24. This phase aims to improve the command efficiency of NATO’s land component and better coordinate efforts between allied and partner forces. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment of the U.S. Army will play a key role, and approximately 10,000 multinational troops will take part in exercises across the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania. These operations will include troop marches, river crossings, and live artillery and rocket fire drills.