America is not abandoning Europe. The Army is participating in exercises to test NATO war contingency plans.
This is walking toward the sound of the guns and not running away:
Sword 26 is the U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s premier annual exercise series, taking place from late April through May 2026 across eight countries in the High North and Baltic region. Formerly known as DEFENDER, Sword 26 validates NATO’s regional defense plans and operationalize the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI).
This exercise series demonstrates the U.S. Army’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense and its ability to deter and decisively defeat adversaries while advancing global stability. Sword 26 highlights the strength of Allied unity, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, and the ability to project decisive power in defense of NATO territory.
Every day with the well-publicized noise of diplomatic wrangling obscuring their work, America's military and civilian officials quietly work with our NATO allies.
America has good reasons to remain active in leading NATO.
NOTE: TDR Winter War of 2022 coverage continues here.
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NOTE: Infographic from the initial linked Army document.
