DEFENDER 23 is a multinational, joint exercise led by the US European Command designed to build readiness and interoperability between US and NATO allies and partners. DEFENDER 23 started from April 22 and will last until June 23. It will include more than 7,800 US troops and 15,000 from 26 Allied and partner nations.
The aim is for both NATO and US forces in Europe and Africa to demonstrate their ability to quickly build up combat power in Eastern Europe
An important part of the specific exercise, codenamed Defender Europe 23, will also take place in Greece, specifically in Macedonia. Areas have been reserved for its needs in both Halkidiki and Central and Western Macedonia, specifically in Polykastro, Giannitsa and Edessa. The general time commitment of the areas made with NOTAM A1396/23 is from May 5 to 24. In particular, the regions in Western and Central Macedonia will be activated from May 9 to 13.
So far, no details of Greek participation in this part of the exercise have been made known
This exercise will be combined and will continue from June 12 with Air Defender 23. This is the largest air force deployment exercise in NATO history. The aim, according to a statement from the German Armed Forces, is to demonstrate solidarity within the alliance and transatlantic ties: From June 12 to 23, up to 10,000 participants in the exercise from 25 countries with 220 aircraft will train under the coordination of the German Air Force for air operations in European airspace.
The participating countries are: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey , USA, UK, Greece.
