MALBORK AIR BASE, Poland — Seven AH-64 Echo Apache Guardian helicopters, a tactical convoy and nearly 250 Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Battalion), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, are participating in Exercise Saber Strike 24, taking place April 8-30, 2024, across eastern Europe.
"Saber Strike 24 is a multilateral exercise that enhances combat readiness amongst participating NATO Allies and partner nations," said Col. Ryan Kendall, commander of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade. "Our participation ensures 12th CAB remains ready to rapidly respond to emerging threats."
The exercise seeks to deter adversaries, transform operational mission command, build readiness and strengthen the NATO Alliance.
Participants include the 2d Calvary Regiment, the 21st Theater Sustainment Command and more than 10 Allied and partner nations.
"Participation in multinational exercises like Saber Strike 24 allows the Viper Battalion to conduct realistic training, maintain our combat-credible force, and enhance our relationships with our NATO Allies and partner nations," said Lt. Col. Jeff Meinders, commander of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Battalion).
Saber Strike 24 is a sub-exercise of Dynamic Employment of Forces in Europe for the NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness 2024, or DEFENDER 24, the largest U.S. Army exercise in Europe. DEFENDER includes more than 17,000 U.S. and 23,000 multinational service members from more than 20 allied and partner nations, including Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.
Several media opportunities are scheduled during DEFENDER 24 activities. Journalists interested in being added to the distribution list should email media@army.mil. Follow the latest news and information on the DEFENDER 24 page on U.S. Army Europe and Africa website.
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