Several thousand US soldiers are heading to Europe for large-scale combat drills spanning from the Arctic to the Mediterranean region, Army leaders announced Monday.
Troops have begun mobilizing for Defender 25, the Army’s largest annual exercise series in Europe, according to US Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF).
“This is about global deterrence,” said USAREUR-AF commander Gen. Christopher Donahue. “Everything we demonstrate we can do with our Allies and partners we can pick up and do anywhere.”
The exercise, which began with a rapid deployment test of troops and equipment to Europe, provides logistics and combat training at a scale “that isn’t being done anywhere else right now,” Donahue noted.
Defender 25 officially launched April 10 with personnel and equipment departing for positions across Europe. Various exercises will continue through June across 18 countries, involving approximately 25,000 US and allied troops.
Key highlights include five simultaneous allied airborne operations planned for May in Finland, Norway, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden. Other drills feature extensive troop movements, such as a long tactical road march by Vilseck, Germany-based 2nd Cavalry Regiment soldiers who will connect with allies for various exercises in central and southeastern Europe.
This year’s deployment includes about 5,400 US-based soldiers joining American counterparts already stationed in Europe, alongside thousands of troops from other NATO countries.
The Army established the Defender series in Europe in 2020 to enhance complexity in US and allied combat training.
“This exercise confirms the capabilities to deny aggressors and reinforces the US commitment to NATO’s defense strategy and increases combat capability to deter with power,” stated USAREUR-AF.
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