Allies and Partners: Europe

Spanish paratroopers with the Grupo De Artilleria attach their static lines on a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, during DEFENDER 23 over Spain, May 10, 2023. DEFENDER 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led exercise, supported by U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, focused on the strategic deployment of continental United States-based forces and interoperability with Allies and partners. Taking place from April 22 to June 23, DEFENDER 23 demonstrates the U.S. Air Force’s ability to aggregate U.S.-based combat power quickly in Europe; increase lethality of the NATO Alliance through the U.S. Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment; build unit readiness in a complex joint, multi-national environment; and leverage host nation capabilities to increase USAFE-AFAFRICA’s operational reach. DEFENDER 23 includes more than 7,800 U.S. and 15,000 multi-national service members from various Allied and partner nations. (U.S Air Force photo by Senior Airman Callie Norton)