Defender Europe 2025

Published: Tuesday, 27 May 2025 10:34

On May 27, the multinational exercise “Defender Europe 25” began in Albania - one of the largest and most complex military exercises of the last decade in Europe and Africa. Led by the United States European Command (USEUCOM) and conducted in cooperation with NATO Allied countries and strategic partners, the exercise will continue until June 9, 2025.

In the early morning hours, troops departed from Zall-Herr toward the Training Center in Bizë, where the intensive phases of the military maneuvers will take place, including offensive and defensive operations, as well as strategic deployments in difficult terrain.

The goal of “Defender Europe 25” is to enhance the readiness, interoperability, and capability of US, NATO, and Partner Nation Forces to operate in a coordinated manner within a complex operational environment. The scenario is based on Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, simulating the collective defense of Allies in the event of an attack on one of them.

Military activities will include a series of large-scale operations across several European countries, with particular focus on Albania and Kosovo, where training will be held on protecting critical infrastructure, securing embarkation points, and managing advanced logistics.