The multinational military exercise “Defender Europe ’25” officially began this morning in Albania.
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage on social media from the start of the exercise, describing it as one of the largest and most complex drills of the past decade.
“This exercise is conducted under the leadership of the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) in close cooperation with NATO allied and partner countries. Albania, as one of the main host nations, plays a strategic role in ensuring the success of operations and planned developments,” Rama emphasized.
The Prime Minister stated that “Defender Europe ’25” aims to enhance interoperability among allied armed forces, strengthen military readiness, and improve rapid response capabilities to any potential threat in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Military units departed from Zall-Herr toward the Bizë Training Center, where intensive phases of the exercise are underway. These include offensive and defensive operations as well as strategic deployments in challenging terrain.
Led by the United States European Command (USEUCOM) and developed in collaboration with NATO allied and strategic partner countries, the exercise is scheduled to continue until June 9, 2025.
