About DEFENDER-Europe 20

Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20 is a U.S.-led multinational exercise, including NATO's participation. It is the largest deployment of U.S.-based forces to Europe in more than 25 years with 20,000 soldiers deployed directly from the U.S. to Europe. It demonstrates U.S. commitment to NATO and its resolve to stand by its European Allies and Partners.

Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20 continues with modifications with consideration for COVID-19 health and safety measures. Soldiers are exercising under the health and safety recommendations of the World Health Organization and the host nation rules.

NATO has continued with its operations within the constraints relating to COVID-19 and the health and safety of its personnel. Some Allied-led exercises have been cancelled as a precautionary measure. The safety of our personnel is always paramount. NATO military medical staff remain vigilant. They are monitoring any potential impact for NATO troops in training or deployed on operations.

Despite the concerns over COVID-19, our service men and women are resilient and continue to carry out our Allied Command Operations (ACO) mission across all domains (air, sea, land, cyber, space) and participating in exercises. We continue to monitor any potential impacts to the health and readiness of NATO forces deployed on operations, exercises and missions and will react immediately when necessary. SHAPE is focused on enhancing its exercise participation while we continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary measures to protect our people.