WIESBADEN, Germany —
U.S. and Spanish paratroopers will conduct a joint airborne operation showcasing the speed and strength of their combined forces in Latvia on May 15. The exercise, involving the U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade and the Spanish Airborne Brigade, Brigada Paracaidista, is part of Swift Response 25—a series of large-scale exercises designed to enhance readiness and interoperability.
This drop is the second of five simultaneous airborne assaults planned under Swift Response 25, demonstrating the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy combat forces across Europe and the Arctic alongside key Allies.
“Swift Response 25 is a taste of the capability we can bring to bear,” said Col. Joshua Gaspard, commander, 173rd Airborne Brigade. “It is about tangible actions with our Allies to support NATO operations. This operation shows we have the speed, strength, and unity to bring our forces wherever it is needed. And it is a training event – so at the end, we will be way better for it. And we will be better together.”
The exercise coincides with Latvia’s national exercise, Crystal Arrow, and is part of the larger DEFENDER 25 series, which integrates forces from across the Alliance to practice multi-domain operations and strengthen command and control.
Media Opportunities:
Journalists interested in covering DEFENDER 25 activities should email media@army.mil to be added to the distribution list. More information is available at www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope.
Please Note: Airborne operations are dependent on weather conditions and the exercise plan is subject to change.