As part of the U.S. Army’s largest annual military exercise, Defender 25, around 180 members of the 28th Infantry Division of the Pennsylvania National Guard have been deployed to Kosovo to participate in “Immediate Response 25”, in close cooperation with the Kosovo Security Force (FSK).
Running from May 26 to June 9, the exercise involves over 12,000 troops from the U.S. and NATO allies and partners across eight European countries—Kosovo, Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovakia.
In Kosovo, the 28th Infantry Division is acting as the division headquarters for a multinational brigade, with the objective of enhancing readiness, demonstrating rapid strategic deployment capabilities, and deepening cooperation with NATO partners.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Pristina, this exercise aligns with the FSK’s comprehensive transition plan to evolve into a modern, multiethnic, NATO-interoperable force under civilian control.
On June 3, American troops, alongside members of the Iowa National Guard and the FSK, will take part in a major field exercise at the Babaj Bokes Training Area (BBTA).
Led by the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command, Defender 25 includes over 20,000 troops from 29 countries, using 14 air and sea ports from the U.S. to deploy over 3,000 units of military equipment to 18 host nations.
The overarching goal of Defender 25 is to demonstrate the U.S. military’s capability to rapidly deploy forces and equipment from the U.S. to Europe, and to conduct large-scale operations alongside allies and partners—underscoring NATO’s collective strength and deterrence posture.