An U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, applies camouflage paint at Aviano Air Base, in Pordenone, Italy May 12, 2023, in preparation for a joint forcible entry exercise in Greece during Exercise Swift Response 2023. Swift Response 23 is one of three major exercises that make up the Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness 2023 or DEFENDER across the Baltic Sea and Mediterranean regions. Swift Response is designed to ensure combat credible forces are ready and postured in theater to respond to any threats against NATO Allies partners. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility. (U.S. Army photo by Valentina Dal Cortivo)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, don their parachutes at Aviano Air Base, in Pordenone, Italy May 12, 2023, in preparation for a joint forcible entry exercise in Greece during Exercise Swift Response 2023. Swift Response 23 is one of three major exercises that make up the Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness 2023 or DEFENDER across the Baltic Sea and Mediterranean regions. Swift Response is designed to ensure combat credible forces are ready and postured in theater to respond to any threats against NATO Allies partners. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility. (U.S. Army photo by Valentina Dal Cortivo)

Following a #DefenderEurope 22 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) "digital fire exercise" on the Island of Bornholm, Denmark, @USArmy Maj. Gen. Stephen Maranian, Commanding General of the recently re-activated 56th Artillery Command, greeted #Soldiers of @114fabn. t.co/leLapzEHVz Source: U.S. Army Europe and Africa North Atlantic Treaty Organization Backup by @natoarmynews A @rtptme project - Other backups: swiy.so/tme via t.me/natoarmynews/26173 #nato #otan #natoarmy #otanarmy #army #armynews #military #europa #europe #otanarmynews #natoarmynews #natonews #otannews

KBR contractor (left), Larry Westley, Installation Food Advisor, 21st Theater Sustainment Command/Installation Management Command-Europe (center), and U.S. Navy Cmdr. Andre Fields, Commander, Defense Logistics Agency Support Team South (center left) look at fresh strawberries arriving for troops at the dining facility at the Life Support Area, Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base Romania during Saber Guardian 23, May 31, 2023. Dining facility is operated by KBR, fresh fruits and vegetables and more provided by DLA Europe Africa.

Saber Guardian 23, a component of DEFENDER 23, is an exercise co-led by Romanian Land Forces and the U.S. Army at various locations in Romania to improve the integration of multinational combat forces by engaging in different events such as vehicle road marches, medical training exercises, and river crossings. DEFENDER 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led exercise focused on the strategic deployment of continental United States-based forces, employment of Army Prepositioned Stocks, and interoperability with Allies and partners. Taking place from 22 April to 23 June, DEFENDER 23 demonstrates USAREUR-AF’s ability to aggregate U.S.-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe, increase lethality of the NATO Alliance through long-distance fires, build unit readiness in a complex joint, multi-national environment, and leverage host nation capabilities to increase USAREUR-AF’s operational reach. DEFENDER 23 includes more than 7,000 U.S. and 17,000 multi-national service members from more than 20 nations who will participate including, but not limited to: Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States.

Photo by: Nutan Chada

VIRIN: 230531-D-LU733-969

NORTH MACEDONIA - U.S. service members and a North Macedonian soldier observe close air support activities from an AH-64 Apache May 24, 2023 at Krivolak Military Training Center during exercise Immediate Response. Joint terminal attack controllers, along side Joint Fires Observers, coordinate, integrate, and control actions of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air support operations to prepare allies and partners to train as they fight.

Immediate Response is part of DEFENDER 23, a U.S. Europe and Africa Command directed multi-national, joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S. and NATO allies and partners.

DEFENDER 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) joint exercise designed to enable combat-ready, multi-national forces. DEFENDER 23 demonstrates USAREUR-AF’s ability to aggregate U.S.-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe, increase lethality of the NATO alliance, build unit readiness in a complex joint, multi-national environment, and leverage host nation capabilities to increase USAREUR-AF’s operational reach. DEFENDER 23 takes place April 22 to June 23 and includes more than 7,000 U.S. and 17,000 multi-national service members from more than 20 nations. (Photo by U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Nina J. Ramon, 206th Broadcast Operations Detachment)

U.S. Army Pvt. Jacob Striedl and Sgt. Levente Chun, both assigned to 41st Field Artillery Brigade, check the tracks of a M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System in preparation for transportation during Saber Guardian 25, Cincu Training Area, Romania, June 13, 2025. The M270A2, the latest upgrade to the MLRS platform, provides enhanced precision, reliability, and firepower to support field artillery operations across a multi-domain battlefield. (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.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Brigade conduct day and air assault night operations at the Tapa Central Training Area, Estonia, May 8, 2021. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Denice Lopez)

U.S. Army and Czech Republic Army personnel maneuver during a live-fire demonstration hosted by the Czech Republic Army along with visiting Virginia and West Virginia Army National Guard leadership and other special guests May 10, 2024, at Velká Střelná Shooting Range in the Czech Republic.The demonstration included members of the 72nd Mechanized Battalion, 7th Mechanized Brigade, Czech Republic Army, along with members of the 1-150th Cavalry Regiment, West Virginia National Guard, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team.West Virginia National Guard Bradley Fighting Vehicle crews maneuvered alongside Czech Republic T-72M4 tank crews, engaging multiple targets while performing armored battle drills during the exercise. Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia National Guard Soldiers are taking part in Immediate Response 24, a sub-exercise of the DEFENDER 24 exercise being held throughout Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade prepare for movement inside an M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System before “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.

U.S. Army Bradley Fighting Vehicles maneuver during a live-fire demonstration hosted by the Czech Republic Army along with visiting Virginia and West Virginia Army National Guard leadership and other special guests May 10, 2024, at Velká Střelná Shooting Range in the Czech Republic.The demonstration included members of the 72nd Mechanized Battalion, 7th Mechanized Brigade, Czech Republic Army, along with members of the 1-150th Cavalry Regiment, West Virginia National Guard, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team.West Virginia National Guard Bradley Fighting Vehicle crews maneuvered alongside Czech Republic T-72M4 tank crews, engaging multiple targets while performing armored battle drills during the exercise. Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia National Guard Soldiers are taking part in Immediate Response 24, a sub-exercise of the DEFENDER 24 exercise being held throughout Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade lowers the loader launcher module of an M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System onto a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck while conducting uploading and downloading procedures 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.

Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers along with members of the 72nd Mechanized Battalion, 7th Mechanized Brigade, Czech Republic Army participated in a Culminating Training Exercise May 14, 2024, in the Olomouc Region of the Czech Republic. The units are mobilized for Immediate Response 24 as Task Force St. Lo under the command of the Virginia National Guard’s Winchester-based 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Battalion staff conducted planning and coordinating operations along with their Czech military counterparts. Engineers emplaced obstacles, infantry and engineer units defended positions against enemy breaching, and transportation units provided battlefield mobility during the exercise. Immediate Response 24 is a sub-exercise of the DEFENDER 24 exercise being held throughout Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

NORTH MACEDONIA - Cpt Nikola Vasilev (left) and Cpt Migjen Sadiku (right), North Macedonian soldiers discusses close air support coordination during exercise Immediate Response May 24, 2023 at Krivolak Military Training Center. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller training event between U.S. services and allied nation investments in critical military capabilities while implementing enhanced readiness.

Immediate Response is part of DEFENDER 23, a U.S. Europe and Africa Command directed multi-national, joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S. and NATO allies and partners..

DEFENDER 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) joint exercise designed to enable combat-ready, multi-national forces. DEFENDER 23 demonstrates USAREUR-AF’s ability to aggregate U.S.-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe, increase lethality of the NATO alliance, build unit readiness in a complex joint, multi-national environment, and leverage host nation capabilities to increase USAREUR-AF’s operational reach. DEFENDER 23 takes place April 22 to June 23 and includes more than 7,000 U.S. and 17,000 multi-national service members from more than 20 nations. (Photo by U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Nina J. Ramon, 206th Broadcast Operations Detachment)

Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers along with members of the 72nd Mechanized Battalion, 7th Mechanized Brigade, Czech Republic Army participated in a Culminating Training Exercise May 14, 2024, in the Olomouc Region of the Czech Republic. The units are mobilized for Immediate Response 24 as Task Force St. Lo under the command of the Virginia National Guard’s Winchester-based 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Battalion staff conducted planning and coordinating operations along with their Czech military counterparts. Engineers emplaced obstacles, infantry and engineer units defended positions against enemy breaching, and transportation units provided battlefield mobility during the exercise. Immediate Response 24 is a sub-exercise of the DEFENDER 24 exercise being held throughout Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers along with members of the 72nd Mechanized Battalion, 7th Mechanized Brigade, Czech Republic Army participated in a Culminating Training Exercise May 14, 2024, in the Olomouc Region of the Czech Republic. The units are mobilized for Immediate Response 24 as Task Force St. Lo under the command of the Virginia National Guard’s Winchester-based 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Battalion staff conducted planning and coordinating operations along with their Czech military counterparts. Engineers emplaced obstacles, infantry and engineer units defended positions against enemy breaching, and transportation units provided battlefield mobility during the exercise. Immediate Response 24 is a sub-exercise of the DEFENDER 24 exercise being held throughout Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

RT @405thAFSB: An entire float ribbon bridge system from the 405th AFSB's Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Zutendaal, Belgium, was employed and used by U.S., Polish, French & Swedish military forces to cross the Vistula River in Poland, during #DefenderEurope 22. t.co/lK1lfLbCrG t.co/reWvb8lZPe Source: NATO Joint Support and Enabling Command - JSEC North Atlantic Treaty Organization Backup by @natoarmynews A @rtptme project - Other backups: swiy.so/tme via t.me/natoarmynews/17735 #nato #otan #natoarmy #otanarmy #army #armynews #military #europa #europe #otanarmynews #natoarmynews #natonews #otannews

Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers along with members of the 72nd Mechanized Battalion, 7th Mechanized Brigade, Czech Republic Army participated in a Culminating Training Exercise May 14, 2024, in the Olomouc Region of the Czech Republic. The units are mobilized for Immediate Response 24 as Task Force St. Lo under the command of the Virginia National Guard’s Winchester-based 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Battalion staff conducted planning and coordinating operations along with their Czech military counterparts. Engineers emplaced obstacles, infantry and engineer units defended positions against enemy breaching, and transportation units provided battlefield mobility during the exercise. Immediate Response 24 is a sub-exercise of the DEFENDER 24 exercise being held throughout Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade gives ground guidance as Soldiers rotate the loader launcher module of an M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System while conducting uploading and downloading procedures 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.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade operate an M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System while reloading ammunition 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.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade conduct loading and unloading procedures of an M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System before “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.

Breite Schießbahnen, viel Staub & Hitze: @USArmyEURAF und #Bundeswehr starten mit rund 1.000 Soldatinnen & #Soldaten, M1 Panzer, #Puma und M2 Bradly in das Großmanöver #DefenderEurope 2022 auf dem Truppenübungsplatz Oberlausitz. #Heer #TrainAsYouFight t.co/DK93aH5cs2 Source: Heer North Atlantic Treaty Organization Backup by @natoarmynews A @rtptme project - Other backups: swiy.so/tme via t.me/natoarmynews/18664 #nato #otan #natoarmy #otanarmy #army #armynews #military #europa #europe #otanarmynews #natoarmynews #natonews #otannews

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Brigade conduct day and air assault night operations at the Tapa Central Training Area, Estonia, May 8, 2021. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Denice Lopez)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade conduct loading and unloading procedures of an M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System before “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.

NURMSI, Estonia — Estonian Defence League soldiers listening to a brief on how to perform a cold load operation, here, May 4, 2021. With this training, readiness and interoperability with the Estonian armed forces will grow and demonstrate deterrence against any opposing threat during a time of conflict if it comes. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christian Cote’).

U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Zachary Anzures, assigned to 41st Field Artillery Brigade, pressure washes the firing tubes of a M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System in preparation for transportation during Saber Guardian 25, Cincu Training Area, Romania, June 13, 2025. The M270A2, the latest upgrade to the MLRS platform, provides enhanced precision, reliability, and firepower to support field artillery operations across a multi-domain battlefield. (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.