DEFENDER-Europe 20: NATO's most complex exercise after the end of Cold War

U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and US Department of the Army have announced the largest deployment of U.S.-based forces to Europe for the largest military exercise over the past 25 years.

DEFENDER-Europe 20 and linked activities will increase strategic readiness and interoperability by exercising the U.S. military's ability to rapidly deploy a large combat-credible force and equipment from the United States to Europe, and alongside its allies and partners, quickly respond to a potential crisis.

"DEFENDER-Europe 20" confirms that the U.S. commitment to NATO and the defense of Europe remains unwavering, reads a press release from the U.S. European Command.

The joint, multinational training exercise is scheduled to take place from April to May 2020, with personnel and equipment movements occurring from February through July 2020.

Approximately 37,000 U.S., allied, and partner nation service members are expected to participate with roughly 20,000 soldiers deploying from the U.S. Participating U.S. units will include a U.S. Army division headquarters, three armored brigade combat teams, a fires brigade, and a sustainment brigade; as well as planned U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps participation. Some units will deploy with their equipment from the United States while other U.S.-based units will deploy and draw Europe-based Army Prepositioned Stock vehicles and equipment.

Eighteen countries are expected to participate (Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, UK and the US), with exercise activities occurring across 10 countries.

Lt. Gen Christopher Cavoli, U.S. Army Europe Commanding General: “Readiness is not only about having the right forces and capabilities in place throughout the theater, it’s about exercising our ability to quickly receive and integrate forces with our own and those of our allies and partners. This ability is critical in projecting force at a moment’s notice, our readiness reassures our allies and deters potential adversaries.Conducting tough, realistic training alongside our allies and partners in Europe enhances those professional relationships that build trust and confidence in each other and increases our overall interoperability, readiness and the ability to collectively deter potential threats”.

Source: Radio Romania News (RRA), US Army Europe, Defense News