Eastern Flank Deterrence Line (EFDL)
What is EFDL

EFDL Deterrance Capabilities

NATO’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Line (EFDL) EFDL is a NATO regional initiative led by Allies, supported by U.S. Army Europe and Africa, to defeat adversary mass and momentum with low cost, attritable uncrewed systems, AI-enabled targeting, and layered defenses.

EFDL is the transformational warfighting concept that harnesses the U.S. Army's Continuous Transformation strategy to enhance NATO's deterrence posture in line with NATO Regional Plans. It leverages uncrewed and minimally crewed systems, backed with an integrated mission command network using live data to accelerate decision-making, to offset forward posture and counter adversary advantages in mass and momentum.

It is complementary to multi-national and multi-lateral efforts such as Poland's East Shield and informs ground deterrence with NATO’s Eastern Sentry.

Europe Africa EFDL Videos
Video by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn
Eastern Flank Deterrence Line Informational Video
U.S. Army Europe and Africa
Nov. 16, 2025 | 1:52
The Eastern Flank Deterrence Line is strengthened through USAREUR-AF support that brings together Allied forces for coordinated training and rapid capability development. These efforts improve readiness across the region and reinforce NATO’s commitment to collective defense. (Video by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Osburn)
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