Sword 26: Advancing Readiness and Deterrence Across NATO’s Eastern Flank

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.

 

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Sword Infographic

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What is happening where?
Estonia
 
Estonia: U.S. and NATO Allied and partner forces will participate in a virtual cyber range in Tallinn, Estonia, focusing on collaborative defensive cyber operations to strengthen network security and interoperability.
 
 

Finland

Finland: U.S. and NATO Allied and partner forces will engage in live-fire exercises, force-on-force training, and multinational integration activities in Vuosanka and Kajaani, Finland, enhancing readiness and interoperability.

 

Germany

Germany: U.S. forces will conduct a tactical road march from Germany, to Poland, and Lithuania, demonstrating rapid deployment and sustainment capabilities.
U.S. and NATO Allied and partner forces will off-load simulated casualties from a train during a casualty evacuation exercise at Rhine  Ordinance Barracks, Germany, showcasing multinational medical evacuation coordination.
 
Italy
 

Italy: U.S. and NATO Allied and partner forces will participate in a virtual cyber range in Rome, Italy, conducting collaborative defensive cyber operations to enhance cybersecurity capabilities.

 

LithuaniaLithuania: U.S. forces will continue their tactical road march from Germany and Poland into Lithuania, for follow-on exercise activities.
U.S. and NATO Allied and partner forces will conduct counter-drone operations, live-fire exercises, and force-on-force training in Pabrade, Lithuania, advancing battlefield innovation and readiness.
 
Norway
 
Norway: U.S. Marines will deploy to Trondheim, Norway, and conduct a tactical road march to Kvarn, Sweden, practicing sustainment operations with support from NATO Allies.
 
 
SwedenSweden: U.S. forces will conduct Patriot missile training and force integration exercises with Swedish forces in Halmstad, Sweden, to enhance air defense capabilities.
U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Navy forces, along with NATO Allies and partners, will deploy from mainland Sweden to Gotland Island. Activities include live-fire exercises, drone operations, security drills, and a casualty evacuation exercise, demonstrating joint force integration and readiness.
U.S. Soldiers conduct chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) training in Gotland, Sweden.
Multi-Domain Command - Europe employing High Mobility Balloons to sense and effect adversary targets in the cyber, land and air domain.
 
 
PolandPoland: U.S. and NATO Allied and partner forces will participate in a casualty evacuation exercise in Poland. Activities include medical evacuations via rail and air, as well as the use of drone technology to enhance medical response capabilities.
U.S. forces will conduct a tactical road march from Germany into Poland for follow-on exercise activities.
U.S. and NATO Allied and partner forces will participate in a fire support coordination exercise in Poland, to refine joint targeting and precision fires.
 

enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise SWORD activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.