WIESBADEN, Germany —
In addition to three major U.S. Army Europe-led exercises in the Black Sea and Balkan Regions this summer, the U.S. Army will participate in several national-level exercises in Bulgaria, Hungary and North Macedonia; as well as a U.S. Air Forces Europe exercise in Croatia.
Media are invited to attend several key events:
Astral Knight 2019 is a U.S. Air Forces Europe exercise that takes place from June 3-7 at various locations in Croatia, Germany, Italy and Slovenia. AK19 is a joint exercise conducting integrated air and missile defense of key terrain. AK19 will involve a combination of flight operations and computer-assisted exercise scenarios, and includes participation of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Army Europe and the Croatian Air Force. U.S. Army Europe's participation includes the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command deploying to Ramstein Air Base, Germany; Aviano Air Base, Italy; Port of Koper, Slovenia; and aboard an Aegis Destroyer.
• June 8 – Civic Engagement Day (Divaca, Slovenia) – static displays, fly over
Breakthrough 2019 is a Hungarian national exercise taking place from June 4-15 in the vicinity of Varpalota, Hungary. Hosted by the Hungarian Defence Forces, Breakthrough 2019 is a bilateral exercise that will test several fires systems, and execute multi-echelon fires to increase interoperability and readiness between the two armies. Highlights of Breakthrough 2019 include an artillery live fire, and the participation of several U.S. Army National Guard units from four different states.
• June 13 – Live Fire Exercise (Varpalota, Hungary) – artillery live fires
Decisive Strike 2019 is North Macedonia’s national exercise taking place from June 5 – July 10, at the Krivolak Military Training Center in Krivolak, North Macedonia. Co-led by Army of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, the exercise culminates with a company-level combined arms live fire exercise that will provide opportunities for the nations to improve readiness and interoperability among allies and partners. Highlights of Decisive Strike 2019 include air-ground operations, an explosive breach, live fires, and simulated and medical evacuations.
• June 5 – Opening Ceremony (Krivolak Military Training Area, North Macedonia)
• June 13 – Live Fire Exercise (Varpalota, Hungary) – artillery live fires
• June 7 or 8 – Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (Krivolak Military Training Area, North Macedonia)
• June 17 – DV Day (Krivolak Military Training Area, North Macedonia) – Strykers
Shabla 2019 is a Bulgarian national exercise taking place from June 4-14 in Shabla, Bulgaria. Hosted by Bulgarian Armed Forces, Shabla 2019 includes the participation of the Bulgarian Air Force, Navy and Land Forces, and U.S. Army Europe's 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. This bilateral, joint air defense live fire exercise is designed to improve readiness and interoperability in order to protect national air sovereignty. Highlights of Shabla 2019 include a series of live fires featuring several different types of missiles and missile firing systems.
• June 13 – Distinguished Visitors Day (Shabla, Bulgaria) – air defense artillery live fires
o Media registration deadline May 24
Strike Back 2019 is a Bulgarian national exercise taking place from June 6 - 20, at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria. Hosted by Bulgarian Armed Forces, Strike Back 2019 is a multinational exercise including participation of Albania, Greece, North Macedonia and U.S. troops. The exercise is designed to increase capabilities and interoperability with allies and partners. The highlight of Strike Back 2019 is a battalion live fire exercise with artillery and mortar fires.
• June 7 – Opening Ceremony (Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria)
o Media registration deadline May 17
• June 19 – DV Day (Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria) – Artillery and mortar live fires
o Media registration deadline May 30
• June 20 – Closing Ceremony (Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria)
o Media registration deadline May 31
Szentes Axe 2019 is a Hungarian national exercise taking place from May 31 – June 11, in Szentes, Hungary. Hosted by the Hungarian Ground Forces, Szentes Axe 2019 is bilateral field training exercise designed to enable freedom of movement and sustainment operations throughout the area. The highlight of Szentes Axe 2019 is a wet gap crossing.
• June 1 – Opening Ceremony (Szentes, Hungary)
• June 11 – Wet Gap Crossing (Szentes, Hungary)
• June 12 – Closing Ceremony (Szentes, Hungary)
Media interested in attending must submit the following information to USArmyEurope.MediaDesk@mail.mil at least two weeks prior to an event unless otherwise noted above:
1. Accreditations
2. First and last name
3. Nationality
4. Date of birth
5. Passport number
6. Email
7. Phone number
8. Vehicle license plate (if known)
9. Specify which dates and events you are requesting access for
Media coverage opportunities will be available at the nine exercises occurring this summer, visit www.eur.army.mil/SummerExercises to learn more.