Armenia to Participate in Major US-Led Exercises in Europe, Pentagon Announces

Nearly 9,000 American soldiers will participate in the Defender-23 exercises, which will commence on April 22, according to a Pentagon spokesperson.  “These are annual exercises lasting almost two months, focusing on the strategic deployment of US forces, the use of pre-positioned stocks, and interoperability with European allies and partners,” said Sabrina Singh during a Pentagon press briefing.

In addition to the United States, military personnel from Armenia, Georgia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom will also take part.

The exercises, planned since 2021, will be led by the US Army Europe and Africa Command. The Pentagon stated that the exercises aim to demonstrate the American military's ability to rapidly deploy capable forces and equipment to reassure allies, deter those threatening peace in Europe, and protect the continent from aggression. They are also expected to showcase the commitment of European nations to increase their military scale, capabilities, and interoperability.

“Approximately 9,000 Americans and nearly 17,000 foreign troops from 26 allied and partner countries will participate in the exercises, some of which will take place in 10 European countries,” Singh noted. Additionally, approximately 13,000 pieces of equipment will be utilized during the Defender-23 exercises, drawn from pre-established stocks.