The military exercise "Defender Europe 2023" will start today in Tirana. Our country will welcome the military event, led by the USA, aimed at building readiness and interoperability between the armies of partner countries and NATO. The training will take place from May 22 to June 23.
Meanwhile, an event will be held today for the launch of the exercise in "Mother Teresa" Square, where Prime Minister Edi Rama, President Bajram Begaj and the US ambassador, Yuri Kim, will be present. Prime Minister Rama has called on citizens to participate in the most important military event of the year.
"Good morning and with the invitation to join today in the most important military event of the year #DefenderEurope23 where American, Albanian and partner troops and military vehicles land in Tirana in "Mother Teresa" square, I wish you a good week", writes Rama.
About 7,000 American troops and 17,000 troops from 26 allied and partner countries will participate in the exercise, which will be spread over 10 different European countries. As part of the exercise, about 7,000 pieces of equipment were sent from the US to Europe, while another 13,000 pieces of equipment, taken from stocks and positioned in advance, will be deployed.
According to the Pentagon, "Defender Europe 2023" is designed to demonstrate the ability of the US military to rapidly deploy troops and reliable combat equipment to reassure allies, deter those who would threaten the peace of Europe and defend the continent from aggression. . We remember that Albania hosted the same exercise two years ago.