US Forces Train Across Europe in DEFENDER 25

DEFENDER 25, taking place now through June 24, is a major U.S. Army training exercise testing how rapidly American forces can deploy to Europe and support NATO Allies. Beginning 10 April, troops and equipment are moving across the Atlantic to strengthen readiness from the Arctic to the Black Sea.

“This is about global deterrence,” said Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. “Everything we demonstrate we can do with our Allies and partners we can pick up and do anywhere. DEFENDER gets us sets and reps at theater logistics and warfighting at scale that isn’t being done anywhere else right now.”

After arriving in Europe, U.S. forces join three large-scale exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—focused on airborne operations, cyber defense, live fires, and multinational coordination. Training spans 18 countries and involves about 25,000 troops from the U.S., NATO Allies, and partners.

Now in its sixth iteration, DEFENDER 25 underscores the U.S. commitment to NATO and its ability to move, fight, and win alongside international forces. Through realistic and complex scenarios, the exercise enhances readiness, reinforces deterrence, and strengthens partnerships across Europe.