Major U.S.-Led Military Exercise to Take Place in Greece and the Balkans

One of the largest U.S. Army exercises in Europe, Immediate Response 25, will be held from May 26 to June 9, involving around 12,000 troops from eight countries.

15.05.2025 20:30

Newsroom

Major U.S.-Led Military Exercise to Take Place in Greece and the Balkans

From Saturday 26 April to Thursday 8 May 2025 and at in the framework of the military cooperation between Greece and the United States, was held under the coordination of the Special Warfare Command (The bilateral exercise called "STOLEN CERBERUS XII". The Greek side participated in the exercise with the participation of personnel and means of the ICF of the Hellenic Ministry of Defence and the Submarine Disaster Command (SDC) of the Navy, personnel of the Parachute School (SXAL) of the and transport aircraft of the Air Force, while from personnel of the 37th Airlift Squadron (of the 86th Airlift Wing) with 3 MC-130J aircraft. The exercise took place in the wider area of Attica and n. Skyros and during the course of the exercise airborne objects were performed. cooperation, dropping of supplies, evacuation of wounded (Medical Evacuation - Medical Evacuation), and the use of airborne equipment. MEDEVAC), as well as free fall and static harness jumps, which contributed to improving military cooperation between Armed Forces of the two countries. Monday 12 May 2025.

15.05.2025 20:30

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One of the largest U.S. Army exercises in Europe, Immediate Response 25, will be held from May 26 to June 9, involving around 12,000 troops from eight countries.

One of the largest U.S. Army exercises in Europe, Immediate Response 25, will be held from May 26 to June 9, involving around 12,000 troops from eight countries, according to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa website. A key portion of the training will occur in Petrochori, Xanthi, in northeastern Greece, which will host about 2,000 American soldiers along with troops from France, Bulgaria, Spain, North Macedonia, and Greece according to Katherimini.

The exercise includes live-fire drills, airborne and amphibious operations, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) training. Activities in Greece specifically will involve water crossings, air assaults, and tank exercises. The Greek 20th Armored Division will participate alongside U.S. forces, including the Tennessee and Vermont National Guard and the 194th Engineer Brigade.

Similar military scenarios will be conducted in parallel across Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovakia. The stated objective is to test NATO’s readiness and operational coordination in Eastern Europe, including responses to cyberattacks and disruptions to critical infrastructure.

The exercise reflects the ongoing use of Greek military facilities by U.S. forces in recent years. Petrochori’s firing range has become a regular site for such drills.

Greece’s defense ministry this week announced the successful holding of a bilateral military exercise with US forces late last month up until May 8, coordinated by the special warfare command of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (HNDGS). This exercise took place in the wider Athens-Piraeus area.