Spanish Army soldiers prepare to clear a structure during urban operations training held during exercise Steadfast Defender 2021.

Steadfast Defender 2021 is a NATO-led exercise involving over 9,000 troops from more than 20 NATO Allies and partners. The objective is to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.

Romanian Army IAR 330 Puma helicopters hover as they prepare to insert Special Forces operators during exercise Steadfast Defender 2021.

Steadfast Defender 2021 is a NATO-led exercise involving over 9,000 troops from more than 20 NATO Allies and partners. The objective is to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade drive toward their rally point in M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems during “The Raid” during Saber Guardian 25, Cincu Training Area, Romania, June 15, 2025. The Raid is an operation conducted at nightfall that entails a platoon leader leading three M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems into a contested territory simulation where they will conduct a fire mission within 30 minutes of receiving the orders. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Hunter Carpenter)

Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe and the Arctic region alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment and leverages host nation capabilities to increase the U.S. Army’s operational reach. During three large-scale combat training exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—Ally and partner forces integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, demonstrating combined command and control structures and readiness to respond to crisis and conflict.

Airmen assigned to the 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard, unload cargo from a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in support of the DEFENDER-Europe 22 exercise, May 16, 2022, at Amari Air Base in Harjumaa, Estonia. DEFENDER-Europe 22 is a multinational training exercise designed to demonstrate USAREUR-AF’s ability to aggregate US-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe across multiple theaters in support of NATO and the National Defense Strategy as well as to leverage host nation’s capabilities to increase USAREUR-AF’s operational reach. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Enjoli Saunders)

Romanian and Spanish soldiers discuss urban operations tactics following training drills held during exercise Steadfast Defender 2021.

Steadfast Defender 2021 is a NATO-led exercise involving over 9,000 troops from more than 20 NATO Allies and partners. The objective is to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.

Italian Army soldiers prepare to move out during urban operations training during exercise Steadfast Defender 2021.

Steadfast Defender 2021 is a NATO-led exercise involving over 9,000 troops from more than 20 NATO Allies and partners. The objective is to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.

Romanian Special Forces operators move out from their landing zone during exercise Steadfast Defender 2021.

Steadfast Defender 2021 is a NATO-led exercise involving over 9,000 troops from more than 20 NATO Allies and partners. The objective is to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.

Romanian Special Forces operators prepare to execute a simulated breach during exercise Steadfast Defender 2021.

Steadfast Defender 2021 is a NATO-led exercise involving over 9,000 troops from more than 20 NATO Allies and partners. The objective is to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.

Romanian Special Forces operators execute a simulated breach and clear during exercise Steadfast Defender 2021.

Steadfast Defender 2021 is a NATO-led exercise involving over 9,000 troops from more than 20 NATO Allies and partners. The objective is to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.

Romanian Special Forces operators execute a simulated breach and clear during exercise Steadfast Defender 2021.

Steadfast Defender 2021 is a NATO-led exercise involving over 9,000 troops from more than 20 NATO Allies and partners. The objective is to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.

El próximo 7 de mayo comienza el ejercicio #DefenderEurope 23 con el liderazgo español de una División y más de 10 países implicados.

Es la primera vez que una División no americana dirige una parte del ex., la División Castillejos #EjércitodeTierra.

El ex. dirigido por el U.S. Army Europe and Africa @USArmyEURAF @USArmy tiene como una de sus finalidades la mejora de la capacidad de mando y control aliada en situaciones tácticas complejas.

El ex. compuesto a su vez de otros tres, se desarrolla en varios países europeos:

✔ #InmediateResponse 23

✔ #SwiftResponse 23

✔ #SaberGuardian

Nota de prensa completa: ejercito.defensa.gob.es/departamentocomunicacion/oficinad...

#StrongerTogether #WeAreNATO #SomostuEjército 🇪🇸

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Susanna Wohlford, Colorado Air National Guard, 140th Medical Group medic, trains with a defibrillator during exercise ADRIATIC STRIKE 21 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, May 17, 2021. ADRIATIC STRIKE 21 is part of DEFENDER-EUROPE 21, which will exercise the command’s ability to integrate approximately 30,000 U.S., allied, and partner forces from 26 nations to conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen nations from the Baltics, to Africa, and to the Black Sea and Balkan regions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff. Sgt. Austin Harvill)

Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard fuel their vehicles May 13 in Pabrade, Lithuania. The Soldiers are deployed to Lithuania in support of Defender Europe 22 and NATO exercise Flaming Thunder. The vehicles include: M109A6 Paladins, M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicles, M572 Armored Mortar Carriers and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (Humvee). The Pennsylvania National Guard has been paired with Lithuania under the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program since 1993. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Zane Craig)

Spc. James McCready, a Black Hawk Mechanic with the Alabama Army National Guard Delta Company, 1-131st Assault Helicopter Battalion, swings a mallet onto a tent stake held by Cpl. Coleman Barton, also a Black Hawk Mechanic with the Alabama Army National Guard Delta Company, 1-131st Assault Helicopter Battalion during Immediate Response as part of DEFENDER-Europe 21, near Tuzla International Airport, Bosnia, May 15, 2021. (U.S. Army National Guard Photos by Spc. Jordan Arnold)

Romanian Special Forces operators rappel from an IAR 330 Puma helicopter during exercise Steadfast Defender 2021.

Steadfast Defender 2021 is a NATO-led exercise involving over 9,000 troops from more than 20 NATO Allies and partners. The objective is to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.

Romanian Special Forces operators rappel from an IAR 330 Puma helicopter during exercise Steadfast Defender 2021.

Steadfast Defender 2021 is a NATO-led exercise involving over 9,000 troops from more than 20 NATO Allies and partners. The objective is to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.

A Romanian Army soldier advances carefully during urban operations training held during exercise Steadfast Defender 2021.

Steadfast Defender 2021 is a NATO-led exercise involving over 9,000 troops from more than 20 NATO Allies and partners. The objective is to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.

A Romanian Army soldier advances carefully during urban operations training held during exercise Steadfast Defender 2021.

Steadfast Defender 2021 is a NATO-led exercise involving over 9,000 troops from more than 20 NATO Allies and partners. The objective is to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.

28 lutego 2020 roku, dwie pierwsze kolumny żołnierzy i sprzętu z USA wjechały na teren Polski przez przejście graniczne w Kołbaskowie. To oficjalny początek ćwiczenia #DefenderEurope 20 w naszym kraju. Fot. st. sierż. Patryk Cieliński/Combat Camera DORSZ

A Romanian Special Forces operator takes a knee after rappelling from a Romanian Army IAR 330 Puma helicopter during exercise Steadfast Defender 2021.

Steadfast Defender 2021 is a NATO-led exercise involving over 9,000 troops from more than 20 NATO Allies and partners. The objective is to ensure that NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction.

El próximo 7 de mayo comienza el ejercicio #DefenderEurope 23 con el liderazgo español de una División y más de 10 países implicados.

Es la primera vez que una División no americana dirige una parte del ex., la División Castillejos #EjércitodeTierra.

El ex. dirigido por el U.S. Army Europe and Africa @USArmyEURAF @USArmy tiene como una de sus finalidades la mejora de la capacidad de mando y control aliada en situaciones tácticas complejas.

El ex. compuesto a su vez de otros tres, se desarrolla en varios países europeos:

✔ #InmediateResponse 23

✔ #SwiftResponse 23

✔ #SaberGuardian

Nota de prensa completa: ejercito.defensa.gob.es/departamentocomunicacion/oficinad...

#StrongerTogether #WeAreNATO #SomostuEjército 🇪🇸

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1-178th Field Artillery Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, wash equipment Feb. 26, 2020 in Columbia, South Carolina in preparation to ship overseas in support of DEFENDER-Europe 20 taking place later this year. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will demonstrate the U.S. military's ability to rapidly deploy a large combat-credible force from the U.S. to Europe to support NATO and respond to a crisis. Once in Europe, U.S. service members will spread out across the region to participate in various annual exercises with allies and partners. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will conclude with the redeployment of U.S.-based forces and equipment. For more information about DEFENDER-Europe 20 check out www.eur.army.mil/DefenderEurope/. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Tracci Dorgan, South Carolina National Guard)

Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard fuel their vehicles May 13 in Pabrade, Lithuania. The Soldiers are deployed to Lithuania in support of Defender Europe 22 and NATO exercise Flaming Thunder. The vehicles include: M109A6 Paladins, M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicles, M572 Armored Mortar Carriers and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (Humvee). The Pennsylvania National Guard has been paired with Lithuania under the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program since 1993. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Zane Craig)

U.S. Army Capt. Kossi Komlassan, commander of Bravo Company, 1-182nd Field Artillery Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard, stands for a photo with Latvian Soldiers at Skede, Latvia, May 13, 2023. Soldiers of the 1-182nd Field Artillery Regiment were executing the Baltic Raid live fire exercise with the Latvian Army. The 1-182nd is training in Latvia to participate in Defender 23. Latvia and the Michigan National Guard have cooperated together through the State Partnership Program for over 30 years. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Patrick Mayabb)

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment rests his arms between a series of vehicle maintenance procedures during Phase II of DEFENDER-Europe 20, Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, July 18, 2020. DEFENDER-Europe 20 was designed as a deployment exercise to build strategic readiness in support of the U.S. National Defense Strategy and NATO deterrence objectives. In response to COVID-19, DEFENDER-Europe 20 was modified in size and scope. Phase I of the modified DEFENDER-Europe 20 was linked to exercise Allied Spirit, which took place at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, June 5-19 with approximately 6,000 U.S. and Polish Soldiers. In phase II of the modified DEFENDER-Europe 20, a U.S.-based combined arms battalion will conduct an emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise to Europe July 14-Aug. 22.

(U.S. Army photo by Jason Johnston.)

An A10-C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, takes-off from Andoya Air Base, heading to Setermoen Range to participate in the Swift Response exercise, May 9, 2022, in Andenes, Norway. Swift Response is an annual USAREUR-AF led multinational training exercise taking place throughout Eastern Europe, including the Arctic, Baltic Sea, and the Balkan Peninsula regions and is designed to enhance readiness and airborne interoperability with allies and partners. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Enjoli Saunders)

An A10-C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, prepares for takeoff from Andoya Air Base, heading to Setermoen Range to participate in the Swift Response exercise, May 9, 2022, in Andenes, Norway. Swift Response is an annual USAREUR-AF led multinational training exercise taking place throughout Eastern Europe, including the Arctic, Baltic Sea, and the Balkan Peninsula regions and is designed to enhance readiness and airborne interoperability with allies and partners. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Enjoli Saunders)

Soldiers in the advance party of B Co., 40th ESB deployed March 5, 2020 in support of Defender Europe 20. They are part of the twenty thousand U.S. service members who will deploy from the U.S. to Europe as part of the largest deployment of U.S. forces to Europe for an exercise in more than 25 years. Once in Europe, they will participate in linked exercises to build readiness and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Tanja Linton)

A U.S. Army crew with the 1-182nd Field Artillery Regiment, Michigan National Guard, conduct a live fire exercise with the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System at Skede, Latvia, May 13, 2023. The 1-182 is participating in multiple tactical training exercises during Defender 23. The purpose of the training is to increase strategic readiness and interoperability with our allies and partners to respond quickly to a potential crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Patrick Mayabb)

A U.S. Army crew with the 1-182nd Field Artillery Regiment, Michigan National Guard, conduct a live fire exercise with the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System at Skede, Latvia, May 13, 2023. The 1-182 is participating in multiple tactical training exercises during Defender 23. Defender is a multi-national, joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO allies and partners. Defender demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Patrick Mayabb)

A U.S. Army crew with the 1-182nd Field Artillery Regiment, Michigan National Guard, conduct a live fire exercise with the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System at Skede, Latvia, May 13, 2023. The 1-182 is participating in multiple tactical training exercises during Defender 23. The purpose of the training is to increase strategic readiness and interoperability with our allies and partners to quickly respond to a potential crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Patrick Mayabb)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade maneuver multiple M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems toward a fire mission during “The Raid” during Saber Guardian 25, Cincu Training Area, Romania, June 15, 2025. The Raid is an operation conducted at nightfall that entails a platoon leader leading three M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems into a contested territory simulation where they will conduct a fire mission within 30 minutes of receiving the orders. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Hunter Carpenter)

Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe and the Arctic region alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment and leverages host nation capabilities to increase the U.S. Army’s operational reach. During three large-scale combat training exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—Ally and partner forces integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, demonstrating combined command and control structures and readiness to respond to crisis and conflict.

Soldiers from Bravo Co., 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion load vehicles on trucks to be hauled to port so they can be shipped overseas. Bravo Co., will deploy from Fort Huachuca later this year to support Defender Europe, one of the largest U.S. Army exercises of the year. This year, approximately more than 37,000 U.S., Allied and Partner-Nation service members are expected to participate. (U.S. Army photo by Tanja Linton)

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1-178th Field Artillery Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, wash equipment Feb. 26, 2020 in Columbia, South Carolina in preparation to ship overseas in support of DEFENDER-Europe 20 taking place later this year. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will demonstrate the U.S. military's ability to rapidly deploy a large combat-credible force from the U.S. to Europe to support NATO and respond to a crisis. Once in Europe, U.S. service members will spread out across the region to participate in various annual exercises with allies and partners. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will conclude with the redeployment of U.S.-based forces and equipment. For more information about DEFENDER-Europe 20 check out www.eur.army.mil/DefenderEurope/. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Tracci Dorgan, South Carolina National Guard)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade conduct loading and unloading procedures using a loader launcher module of an M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System and a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck during Saber Guardian 25, Cincu Training Area, Romania, June 15, 2025. The M270A2 represents the most advanced variant of the MLRS platform to date, featuring upgraded Common Fire Control System (CFCS) technology, improved armored cab protections, and full compatibility with extended-range precision munitions including the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Hunter Carpenter)

Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe and the Arctic region alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment and leverages host nation capabilities to increase the U.S. Army’s operational reach. During three large-scale combat training exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—Ally and partner forces integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, demonstrating combined command and control structures and readiness to respond to crisis and conflict.

Army Private Ricardo Jofre and Pvt. 1st Class Daniel Call, supply clerks with the Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, conduct preventative maintenance checks and services on a potable water tank trailer at the Equipment Configuration Handling Area, Tapa Barracks, Estonia. The water tank was one of hundreds of equipment pieces from the Eygelshoven, Netherlands, Army Prepositioned Stock-2 site that was issued to units participating in DEFENDER-Europe 21.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1-178th Field Artillery Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, wash equipment Feb. 26, 2020 in Columbia, South Carolina in preparation to ship overseas in support of DEFENDER-Europe 20 taking place later this year. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will demonstrate the U.S. military's ability to rapidly deploy a large combat-credible force from the U.S. to Europe to support NATO and respond to a crisis. Once in Europe, U.S. service members will spread out across the region to participate in various annual exercises with allies and partners. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will conclude with the redeployment of U.S.-based forces and equipment. For more information about DEFENDER-Europe 20 check out www.eur.army.mil/DefenderEurope/. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Tracci Dorgan, South Carolina National Guard)

TAPA CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Estonia –The 3rd platoon leader, 1st Lt. Cheyenne Helsel assigned to 5th Battalion, 73rd Cavalry Regiment rallies her platoon to prepare for the follow-on missions of Swift Response 21 in Estonia. Units of 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Infantry Division participated in Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

A British Soldier with 7th Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery talks on the radio while training with U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, while conducting platoon maneuvers during Swift Response 21 at Tapa Central Training Area, Estonia, May 11, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21, which involves special operations activities, air assaults, and live fire exercises in Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania, demonstrating airborne interoperability among NATO allies and partners. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Gresso).

TAPA CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Estonia –The 3rd platoon leader, 1st Lt. Cheyenne Helsel, assigned to 5th Battalion, 73rd Cavalry Regiment reviews her mission plan for the follow-on missions of Swift Response 21 in Estonia. Units of 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Infantry Division participated in Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade maneuver an M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System down a hill toward their fire mission during “The Raid” during Saber Guardian 25, Cincu Training Area, Romania, June 15, 2025. The Raid is an operation conducted at nightfall that entails a platoon leader leading three M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems into a contested territory simulation where they will conduct a fire mission within 30 minutes of receiving the orders. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Hunter Carpenter)

Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe and the Arctic region alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment and leverages host nation capabilities to increase the U.S. Army’s operational reach. During three large-scale combat training exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—Ally and partner forces integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, demonstrating combined command and control structures and readiness to respond to crisis and conflict.

TAPA CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Estonia — U.S. Army Soldiers Sgt. Skylar Rosenkran and Sgt. Victor Gonzalez, Multiple Launch Rocket System crewmembers from the 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, Field Artillery Regiment, moving MLRS rockets with the crane of a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck and preventing it from swinging too much in order to help prepare for the live fire exercise in support of Swift Response 21, here, May 5, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21 which involves special operations activities, air assaults, and live fire exercises in Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania, demonstrating airborne interoperability among NATO allies. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christian Cote).

DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year more than 30,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in 14 countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope.

TAPA CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Estonia –The 3rd platoon leader, 1st Lt. Cheyenne Helsel, assigned to Alpha Troop, 5th Battalion, 73rd Cavalry Regiment gives orders to her platoon during follow-on missions of Swift Response 21. Units of 82nd Airborne Infantry Division participated in Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

An 82nd Airborne Division Jumpmaster hangs combat equipment on a British Paratrooper assigned to 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment onboard a C-17 Globemaster III bound for Estonia during Exercise Swift Response 21, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

U.S. Army Soldiers from Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, fire an M777 towed 155 mm howitzer during a live fire exercise at Tapa Central Training Area, Estonia, May 11, 2021 as part of Swift Response 21. Swift Response 21 is a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21, which involves special operations activities, air assaults, and live fire exercises in Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania, demonstrating airborne interoperability among NATO allies and partners. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeff VanWey)

U.S. Army Maj. Robert Pough (left), assigned to 1st. Cavalry Division, remotely fires an M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank with the assistance of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kody Nelson (right), assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, during Phase II of DEFENDER-Europe 20, Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, July 21, 2020. DEFENDER-Europe 20 was designed as a deployment exercise to build strategic readiness in support of the U.S. National Defense Strategy and NATO deterrence objectives. In response to COVID-19, DEFENDER-Europe 20 was modified in size and scope. Phase I of the modified DEFENDER-Europe 20 was linked to exercise Allied Spirit, which took place at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, June 5-19 with approximately 6,000 U.S. and Polish Soldiers. In phase II of the modified DEFENDER-Europe 20, a U.S.-based combined arms battalion will conduct an emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise to Europe July 14-Aug. 22.

(U.S. Army photo by Jason Johnston.)

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, fire an M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank during a Live Fire and Screening Training exercise as part of Phase II of DEFENDER-Europe 20, Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, July 21, 2020. DEFENDER-Europe 20 was designed as a deployment exercise to build strategic readiness in support of the U.S. National Defense Strategy and NATO deterrence objectives. In response to COVID-19, DEFENDER-Europe 20 was modified in size and scope. Phase I of the modified DEFENDER-Europe 20 was linked to exercise Allied Spirit, which took place at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, June 5-19 with approximately 6,000 U.S. and Polish Soldiers. In phase II of the modified DEFENDER-Europe 20, a U.S.-based combined arms battalion will conduct an emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise to Europe July 14-Aug. 22.

(U.S. Army photo by Jason Johnston.)

U.S. Army Soldiers from Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, fire an M777 towed 155 mm howitzer during a live fire exercise at Tapa Central Training Area, Estonia, May 11, 2021 as part of Swift Response 21. Swift Response 21 is a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21, which involves special operations activities, air assaults, and live fire exercises in Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania, demonstrating airborne interoperability among NATO allies and partners. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeff VanWey)

TAPA CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Estonia — U.S. Army Sgt. Skylar Rosenkran, a Multiple Launch Rocket System crewmember from the 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, Field Artillery Regiment, unhooking the MLRS rockets after moving them with the crane of a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck to help prepare for the live fire exercise in support of Swift Response 21, here, May 5, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21 which involves special operations activities, air assaults, and live fire exercises in Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania, demonstrating airborne interoperability among NATO allies. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christian Cote).

DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year more than 30,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in 14 countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope.

TAPA CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Estonia — U.S. Army Soldiers Sgt. Skylar Rosenkran and Sgt. Victor Gonzalez, Multiple Launch Rocket System crewmembers from the 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, Field Artillery Regiment, moving MLRS rockets with the crane of a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck and preventing it from swinging too much in order to help prepare for the live fire exercise in support of Swift Response 21, here, May 5, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21 which involves special operations activities, air assaults, and live fire exercises in Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania, demonstrating airborne interoperability among NATO allies. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christian Cote).

DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year more than 30,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in 14 countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope.