Over the weekend and on Monday, citizens in several Balkan countries had the opportunity to witness military equipment displays as part of the NATO “Immediate Response” exercise.
This exercise, known as “Immediate Response 23,” is the second of three connected exercises that collectively form the Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness 2023 Exercise, or DEFENDER 23. In total, DEFENDER 23 involves the participation of 24,000 soldiers from the armed forces of the 25 NATO member countries and partner countries.
The primary objective of this exercise is to demonstrate NATO’s capability to withstand potential Russian aggression. The participating nations include Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovenia.
With a total of 9,800 soldiers, including 7,000 troops from the aforementioned countries, Turkey, and Greece, alongside 2,800 deployed US troops, the exercise encompasses a wide range of activities across various army ranges in the Balkan region. These activities involve combined-arms training on land, air, and sea, as well as live-fire exercises.
During the opening ceremony in Kosovo’s capital, Pristina, the US ambassador to Kosovo, Jeff Hovenier, highlighted the importance of the exercise in reassuring NATO allies and partner countries in light of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
He emphasized the goal of demonstrating the US military’s ability to swiftly deploy combat-ready troops and equipment to provide reassurance to allies, deter potential threats to peace in Europe, and protect the continent from aggression. Kosovo, as a partner country, has committed around 1,700 troops to the exercise.
In Croatia, the exercises are taking place at the “Josip Jovic” military camp in Udbina and the “Eugen Kvaternik” military training ground near Slunj. As part of the preparations, Croatian navy ships, Cetina and Krka, arrived at the port of Gazenica in Zadar, carrying US military vehicles transported from the Montenegrin port of Bar. After refueling in Zadar, the vehicles were delivered to the camp in Udbina. In neighboring Montenegro, activities are set to commence at the army camp near the town of Pljevlja.
North Macedonia is hosting the participating troops at its largest army range, Krivolak, where rapid deployment of combat-ready troops, air support, and firing exercises are taking place. Residents of Kumanovo in North Macedonia had the opportunity to witness displays of US and North Macedonian army equipment, including helicopters and armored vehicles, over the weekend.
Bulgaria’s involvement includes hosting two combat shooting trainings, which will be carried out until May 29 at the Novo Selo training ground near Blagoevgrad and the Koren ground near Pleven. Bulgarian soldiers, along with troops from other Balkan countries, will also participate in Wet Gap Grossing trainings in Bordushani, Romania, scheduled for May and June.
In Albania, the training phase of the exercise will commence next week, but on Monday, the people of Tirana were invited to observe a display of Albanian and US weaponry at Nene Tereza Square as part of the Distinguished Visitors Day activity.
Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed the crowd, stating “Albania has the honor of hosting for the second time the largest military exercise in Europe. This is a special privilege for our Armed Forces, who are hosts and participants. For the second time, this exercise highlights the continuous improvement of our military capacities thanks to the support of our American allies and other NATO countries.”
He added, “Albania has never been higher in the level of international respect. Today, she is sitting in the United Nations SC as a co-sponsor on the issue of Ukraine. This is an extraordinary responsibility, which shows what maturity and development our country has achieved.”
The “Immediate Response 23” exercise is scheduled to continue until June 2.
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