DEFENDER 24: Unprecedented NATO exercises across Europe to fortify alliance readiness
American ships that set off on a journey to Europe on April 4 are transporting tons of military equipment. The activities are related to the DEFENDER 24 manoeuvres, the largest American army exercise in Europe. Over 17,000 U.S. soldiers and over 20,000 soldiers from over 20 allied and partner countries will participate. The exercises will last until May 31 and will be carried out in 13 countries, including Poland. Road disruptions may occur due to manoeuvres.
DEFENDER 24 is a NATO exercise in deterrence and increased readiness. This year, it will last from April 4 to May 31. It is linked to the NATO Steadfast Defender 24 manoeuvres and consists of three parts: Sabre Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response. According to a USAREUR-AF press release, the exercises focus on the strategic deployment of continental forces based in the USA, the use of pre-positioned American army stocks, and interoperability with allies.
Sabre Strike exercises are field manoeuvres focusing on the Baltic Sea region. Defence Romania service reminds that they will take place from April 21 until May 31 in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, and Slovakia territories. Immediate Response, which will also occur during the same period, will be conducted on the territory of Sweden. They will involve USA, Sweden, Finland, and Norway soldiers. Meanwhile, Swift Response manoeuvres have been planned for May 14 - June 14. They will be conducted in Poland, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, and Lithuania. American Rapid Response Forces will oversee them. They will include both field exercises by soldiers and those at the command level.
The Armed Forces Support Inspectorate notes that due to the DEFENDER 24 exercises, large amounts of military equipment may be moved through Poland. The General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways informed us that "by the end of May, military vehicles will be moving almost in all voivodeships, on motorways, expressways, and national and other roads."
Unusual signs may also appear on the roads. These are symbols of military load classification, MLC (Military Load Classification). GDDKiA explains that they indicate the "permissible total weight of vehicles, but in the MLC scale, different from that used for civilian vehicles in Poland." Therefore, these signs are only meaningful to military vehicle drivers.
The Defender 24 manoeuvres verify readiness to act in a crisis by checking not only the USA army's capability to transfer many soldiers and equipment from America quickly but also the readiness of host countries to accept them. The exercises aim to show NATO's potential and deter potential adversaries.
