Bulgaria is preparing to participate at the large-scale military exercises Defender Europe 21 and Steadfast Defender-21. They will take place in May and June and will be led by the U.S Army Europe and Africa and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

Defender Europe-21 will take place predominantly in the Black Sea region, in the Balkans and Estonia. It begins in March with the movement of equipment and personnel from the United States to 8 European countries and continue through the middle of June. More than 30,000 multinational forces from 26 NATO countries and partners participate at the military exercise. They will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in 14 countries. Defender Europe-21 is a joint exercise designed to build strategic and operational readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO allies and partners.

Steadfast Defender-21 is a training event associated with Defender Europe 21. It will take place from mid-May until early-June.The exercise is focused on the transatlantic reinforcement of Europe and demonstrates NATO’s ability to respond rapidly to the full spectrum of threats. In this exercise, Bulgaria will mainly contribute logistical support as a host country for forces transit.

Compiled by: Veneta Nikolova

English version: Kostadin Atanasov