As part of the U.S. Army's largest annual exercise, DEFENDER 25, around 180 personnel from the Pennsylvania U.S. Army National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division will be deployed to Kosovo. They will participate in Immediate Response 25 alongside the Kosovo Security Force (KSF). This exercise is a key element of the U.S. Army’s strategy to enhance readiness and demonstrate rapid strategic deployment capabilities while reinforcing cooperation with NATO Allies and partners.
Immediate Response 25 is scheduled from May 26 to June 9 and is one of three major DEFENDER 25 training events. It involves over 12,000 troops from the U.S., Allies, and partner nations across eight countries: Kosovo, Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovakia. In Kosovo specifically, the 28th Infantry Division and the KSF will operate as a division headquarters overseeing a multinational brigade. Soldiers from both forces will also engage in a national exercise at Babaj Bokes Training Area on June 3rd.
This collaboration supports the KSF’s transition plan aimed at evolving into a multi-ethnic force that is interoperable with NATO for territorial defense under civilian control.
DEFENDER 25 is led by U.S. Army Europe and Africa and includes over 25,000 troops from 29 Allied and partner nations. The exercise utilizes multiple aerial ports in the United States and deploys more than 3,000 pieces of equipment across various host nations. The primary objective is to showcase the U.S. Army’s ability to quickly move personnel and equipment from continental America to Europe for large-scale combat operations alongside Allies and partners.
Photos, videos, and stories related to DEFENDER 25 can be accessed at www.dvidshub.net/feature/defendereurope. For media inquiries or updates on coverage opportunities, contact media@army.mil.