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NATO Allies and partners began a collective military strength and readiness through the extensive Exercise Swift Response 25 on May 11, 2025. Led by the United States, the multinational training operation would continue until May 31.

The exercise spans across the High North and the Baltic region, involving near-simultaneous airborne insertions and mobility aircraft operations designed to enhance the Alliance’s collective defense capabilities.

Swift Response 25 serves as the opening phase of the larger U.S.-led DEFENDER 25 exercise, which aims to bolster NATO’s deterrence posture by demonstrating the ability to rapidly deploy forces across multiple theaters. This year’s exercise emphasizes interoperability among allied forces, combining airborne assaults, live-fire drills, medical support operations, and high-mobility artillery training.

Five coordinated airborne insertions are taking place in Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden, highlighting the ability to conduct complex, multinational operations across varied terrain and operational environments.

Paratroopers from the United States joined forces with Dutch, French, German, and Italian troops for a combined jump into Lithuania, while Polish forces executed a similar airborne insertion in Finland. Norway saw the 82nd Airborne Division spearheading a major assault, marking a critical milestone as DEFENDER 25’s opening act.

The Finnish Army participated actively, conducting live-fire training alongside Polish troops, further integrating allied ground capabilities in the northern region. Meanwhile, U.S. units operating the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) executed rapid insertion training (HIRAIN) in both Finland and Sweden, underscoring NATO’s capability to rapidly deploy and employ precision firepower.

Latvia hosted joint airborne and live-fire exercises involving Spanish and U.S. paratroopers, which were integrated with Latvia’s national exercise, Crystal Arrow. This synchronization between NATO and national forces reinforces the Alliance’s ability to coordinate complex operations seamlessly.

Additionally, Lithuania held a field hospital exercise simulating chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) scenarios. This drill demonstrated forward-deployed medical support capabilities and showcased innovative drone-enabled blood resupply missions, critical skills for modern, multi-domain warfare.

NATO Allies are executing Swift Response 25, led by @USArmyEURAF, conducting near-simultaneous airborne and mobility aircraft operations across the High North and Baltics to enhance collective defence. #DEFENEDEREurope #WeAreNATO

Read more: https://t.co/MGlcDbarCW pic.twitter.com/l6i8qiJQ1u

— NATO Air Command (@NATO_AIRCOM) May 19, 2025

General Christopher Donahue, Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, emphasized the global significance of the exercise: “This is about global deterrence. Everything we demonstrate with our Allies and partners, we can replicate globally. DEFENDER gives us critical repetitions at scale for theatre logistics and warfighting.” His remarks highlight the strategic intention behind these drills, not only to prepare for regional defense but to ensure NATO’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively anywhere in the world.

The success of these multinational airborne insertions depends heavily on the integration of strategic and tactical airlift platforms. The United Kingdom contributed the Airbus A400M, while the United States deployed the C-17 Globemaster III for large-scale personnel and equipment movements. Tactical aircraft such as the C-130J Super Hercules also played vital roles, enabling rapid and flexible airborne operations. This comprehensive air mobility network allows NATO forces to project power swiftly and sustain operations in diverse environments.

Swift Response 25 and the broader DEFENDER 25 exercise involve approximately 25,000 personnel from 29 Allied and partner nations, underscoring the scale and complexity of modern collective defense training. Through these drills, NATO validated its ability to coordinate operations across multiple domains, air, land, and medical, and multiple geographies simultaneously.

The high level of interoperability demonstrated in Swift Response 25 sends a clear signal of unity and preparedness to potential adversaries. By reinforcing rapid deployment capabilities and enhancing joint training, NATO strengthens its deterrence posture in a geopolitical landscape marked by emerging threats and uncertainties.

As the exercise concludes, participating nations will carry forward critical lessons learned and enhanced coordination measures that ensure NATO remains agile, ready, and resilient. Swift Response 25, together with DEFENDER 25, confirms the Alliance’s commitment to defending peace and security across the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond.

Exercise DEFENDER 25

DEFENDER is the U.S. Army’s largest annual exercise, designed to deploy personnel and equipment into theater by all modes of transport in support of initial and follow-on operations essential to large scale combat operations. Led by the U.S. Army Europe and Africa, it emphasizes the strategic movement of CONUS-based forces (forces based in the continental United States), employment of army prepositioned stocks, and exercises that demonstrate lethality and interoperability with Allies and partners.

DEFENDER 25 will be the largest iteration in Europe, involving approximately 25,000 soldiers from 29 Allied and partner nations. The exercise will test rapid force deployment, integration of multi-domain capabilities, and combined command and control structures. From May 11 to June 24, 2025, simultaneous operations—including Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—will occur across 15 countries, enhancing readiness and strengthening interoperability among U.S., NATO, and partner forces.

#Marines with @2ndMLG take part in a crew-served weapons range as part of exercise Swift Response 25 in Setermoen, Norway.

Swift Response 25 is part of the DEFENDER 25 series. It allows the rehearsal, deployment, employment, and integration of U.S. forces to focus on the… pic.twitter.com/LdTAy6CiWx

— U.S. Marines (@USMC) May 20, 2025