A pilot exits a French Air Force Dassault Rafale after parking on the flight line at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 6, 2024. The Rafale was an integral part of a basic fighter maneuvers exercise at the base which boasted a total of 37 aircraft, comprising both fourth and fifth-generation fighter jets.

Airmen assigned to the 555th Fighter Generation Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, talk to each other as fighter jets from various NATO countries taxi onto the runway at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 5, 2024. Maintainers of different NATO countries were given the opportunity during the exercise to cross services and learn more about each other’s airframes.

A French Air Force Dassault Rafale parks on the flight line at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 6, 2024. The Rafale was an integral part of a basic fighter maneuvers exercise at the base which boasted a total of 37 aircraft, comprising both fourth and fifth-generation fighter jets.

Pilots exit a French Air Force Dassault Rafale after parking on the flight line at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 6, 2024. The Rafale was an integral part of a basic fighter maneuvers exercise at the base which boasted a total of 37 aircraft, comprising both fourth and fifth-generation fighter jets.

An acoustic piano burns as part of a closing ceremony, signaling the end of a simulated aerial combat exercise June 6, 2024, on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The piano burning is rooted in a tradition from World War II in which a piano was burnt in memory of fighter pilots who were killed in action.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe – bookended by Amb. Kate Marie Byrnes, civilian deputy and foreign policy advisor to U.S. European Command, and Croatian Lt. Gen. Tihomir Kundid, chief of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff – leads discussion as co-host of the 2024 Central Europe Chiefs of Defense conference held in Split, Croatia, from June 10-11, 2024. “Venues like this one provide a forum to share ideas and to continue our strategic dialogue which is always aimed toward a free and prosperous Europe,” Cavoli said.

Chiefs of Defense from Central Europe and the surrounding region join U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli (fourth form left), commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and Croatian Lt. Gen. Tihomir Kundid (fifth from left), chief of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff, for a posed photo during the 2024 Central Europe Chiefs of Defense conference held in Split, Croatia, from June 10-11, 2024. The event drew senior military leaders from Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. This year’s iteration was also attended by delegations from both Moldova and Türkiye to further discuss regional security and strengthen partnerships.

Regional leaders took part in the 2024 Central Europe Chiefs of Defense conference held in Split, Croatia, from June 10-11, 2024. During the conference leaders discussed collective efforts toward enhancing cyber and space security and enabling the rapid deployment of forces to respond to crisis via military mobility agreements and prepositioned stocks.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, poses alongside Croatian Lt. Gen. Tihomir Kundid, chief of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff, during the 2024 Central Europe Chiefs of Defense conference held in Split, Croatia, from June 10-11, 2024. The event drew senior military leaders from Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. This year’s iteration was also attended by delegations from both Moldova and Türkiye to further discuss regional security and strengthen partnerships.

Croatian Lt. Gen. Tihomir Kundid, chief of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff, leads discussion as co-host of the 2024 Central Europe Chiefs of Defense conference held in Split, Croatia, from June 10-11, 2024. “The most efficient way to successfully deter and defend is to act together, and discussions today facilitate the preparations and capabilities required for successful deterrence and defense of the Euro-Atlantic area,” Kundid said.

Chief Master Sergeant Michael McCarty, representing U.S. European Command' Senior Enlisted Leader Command Sgt. Maj. Rob Abernathy, and Croatian Command Sgt. Maj. Dalibor Dumbović, sergeant major of the Croatian Army, co-host a meeting of senior enlisted leaders as part of the 2024 Central Europe Chiefs of Defense conference in Split, Croatia, June 10. The meeting provided an opportunity for senior enlisted leaders form Central Europe nations and their U.S. National Guard counterparts to strengthen military ties, address ongoing security challenges, enhance mutual understanding, and improve interoperability and joint training development.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Robert Dodd, assigned to the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron performs liquid oxygen maintenance at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, England June 3, 2024. Strategic bomber missions enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Brewer)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant 1st Dawson Holien, assigned to the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron performs maintenance at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, England June 3, 2024. These BTF missions are representative of the U.S.Õ extended deterrent commitment to our Allies and partners and enhance regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Brewer)

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron takes off at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, England May 29, 2024. The presence of U.S. military assets highlights commitment to NATO's efforts, ensuring peace and security in the European region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Brewer)

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deploys a parachute at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, England May 29, 2024. U.S. participation in NATO-led training missions ensures preparedness and reinforces collective defense commitment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Brewer)

Capt. Fanny Chollet, Swiss Air Force Test Pilot Student, prepares for a flight for Air Force Test Pilot School located at Edwards Air Force Base. After graduating from Air Force Test Pilot School on June 8, 2024, she will be the first female test pilot. Capt. Chollet is also the first female fighter pilot for the Swiss Air Force. (Air Force Photo by Mary Kozaitis)

Logistics Committee Co-chairs: Lieutenant General Andrew M. Rohling, Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee, and Mr Angus Lapsley, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning.

Drone experts from Great Britain, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Ukraine and the U.S. gathered in Poznan, Poland, for a regional counter-drone workshop hosted by USEUCOM and the Polish Ministry of National Defense, May 20-24, 2024.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron prepares to enter the taxiway at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, England May 20, 2024. Maintaining a capable U.S. presence in Europe strengthens U.S. national security by encouraging peace, unity, and cohesion between Europe's individual nations. U.S. service members in Europe continue to promote global peace alongside Allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Brewer)

A Ground Combat Instructor from the 435th Security Forces Squadron Ground Combat Regional Training Center demonstrates a counter-drone simulation during a regional counter-drone workshop co-hosted by USEUCOM and the Polish Ministry of National Defense in Poznan, Poland, May 20-24, 2024.

A Polish and U.S. soldier observe a counter-drone simulation during a regional counter-drone workshop co-hosted by USEUCOM and the Polish Ministry of National Defense in Poznan, Poland, May 20-24, 2024.

British Army Maj. Gen. Charles Hewit, vice director of operations at USEUCOM, observes a counter-drone simulation during a regional counter-drone workshop co-hosted by USEUCOM and the Polish Ministry of National Defense in Poznan, Poland, May 20-24, 2024.

Ground Combat Instructors from the 435th Security Forces Squadron Ground Combat Regional Training Center demonstrate a counter-drone simulation during a regional counter-drone workshop co-hosted by USEUCOM and the Polish Ministry of National Defense in Poznan, Poland, May 20-24, 2024.

British Army Maj. Gen. Charles Hewit, vice director of operations at USEUCOM (right), and Polish Army Brig. Gen. Kazimiertz Dynski chief of the Air and Missile Defense directorate (center), observe a counter-drone simulation during a regional counter-drone workshop co-hosted by USEUCOM and the Polish Ministry of National Defense in Poznan, Poland, May 20-24, 2024.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron lands at Royal Air Force Base Fairford, England May 20, 2024. The ability to forward posture strategic bombers within the European theater enables critical touchpoints with NATO Allies and partners to advance the ability to operate as a single, cohesive force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Brewer)

Representatives from each of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter nation sign the Logistics Support, Services and Supply Memorandum of Agreement in Tirana, Albania, May 10, 2024.

U.S. Air Force, Maj. Lauren Kalani, patient movement clinical coordinator for U.S. Transportation Command's Patient Movements Requirement Center- Europe, speaks with U.S. Navy Senior Chief, Vlad Voronov, to resolve a simulated patient movement request sent to the Joint Patient Evacuation Coordination Center during U.S. European Command's command post exercise, Austere Challenge 24, at Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany, March 7, 2024. (Photo by U.S. Air Force 1st. Lt. Gabriele Gocso)

U.S. Air Force, Lt. Col. Christian Walker (center), officer in charge of the Joint Patient Evacuation Coordination Center (JPECC), provides guidance to U.S. Air Force Maj. Mathew Beeman, chief of Joint Global Patient Movement Plans for U.S. Transportation Command Air Force Element (left) and U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman First Class (HM1) Jeremiah Romankowski after receiving a simulated patient movement request during U.S. European Command's command post exercise, Austere Challenge 24, at Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany, March 7, 2024. (Photo by U.S. Air Force 1st. Lt. Gabriele Gocso)

Members of the Joint Patient Evacuation Coordination Center (JPECC) simulate the tracking and management of movement requests for injured service members during U.S. European Command's command post exercise, Austere Challenge 24, at Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany, March 7, 2024. Austere Challenge 2024 marked the inaugural proof of concept test for JPEC-Europe, introducing USEUCOM, subject matter experts across the Department of Defense, to a novel strategic-level patient evacuation capability. (Photo by U.S. Air Force 1st. Lt. Gabriele Gocso)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, receives air-to-air refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, in support of Astral Knight 23 Part 6 over Finland, Aug. 24, 2023. AK23-6 has furthered U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s ability to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support while ensuring Airmen and aircrews are postured to respond across the spectrum of conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jesenia Landaverde)

The 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery’s U.S. Army Patriot Missile Systems arrived in Croatia May 17, 2021 to participate in DEFENDER-Europe 21 associated exercise Astral Knight 21 and exercise Immediate Response 21. The systems completed their journey after a day-long convoy of 50 vehicles through Slovenia into Croatia. The Regiment is participating in a series of combined exercises with multiple NATO allied and partner forces as part of DEFENDER-Europe 21. The exercises increase interoperability with host nation forces and demonstrate the battlefield capabilities of 5-7 ADA. The systems were displayed for Croatian forces and local media outlets to get an introduction to the Patriot systems. The 5-7 ADA employed the systems during DEFENDER-Europe 21, a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alexandra Shea)

A U.S. Army Chaplain exchanges a gift with an Armed Forces of Ukraine Chaplain during the Chaplains Course graduation ceremony at Grafenwoehr, Germany, April 19, 2024. More than 20 Ukrainian Chaplains attended the fourth iteration of the Chaplains Course, April 8 – 19, 2024.

U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Col.) Christopher Lapack, U.S. European Command, exchanges plaques with a Chaplain from the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the Chaplains Course graduation ceremony at Grafenwoehr, Germany, April 19, 2024. More than 20 Ukrainian Chaplains attended the fourth iteration of the Chaplains Course, April 8 – 19, 2024. (National Guard Photo by 2nd Lt. Jarvis Mace)

A Ukrainian Chaplain with the Armed Forces of Ukraine speaks to his class of fellow chaplains and performs a Ukrainian Orthodox Prayer during the Chaplains course graduation ceremony at Grafenwoehr, Germany, April 19, 2024. More than 20 Ukrainian Chaplains attended the fourth iteration of the Chaplains Course, April 8 – 19, 2024. (National Guard Photo by 2nd Lt. Jarvis Mace)

Chaplain (Maj.) Shawn Earles, Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine, receives a plaque from an Armed Forces of Ukraine Chaplain during the Chaplains course graduation ceremony at Grafenwoehr, Germany, April 19, 2024. More than 20 Ukrainian Chaplains attended the fourth iteration of the Chaplains Course, April 8 – 19, 2024. (National Guard Photo by 2nd Lt. Jarvis Mace)

200402-N-QY794-1327 ARABIAN SEA (April 2, 2020) The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) steams through the Arabian Sea, April 2, 2020. Ike is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brennen Easter)

U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Michael Adler and other attendees listen to opening remarks at U.S. European Command's annual Chiefs of Mission Conference in Stuttgart, Germany, April 24-25, 2024. USEUCOM hosted the annual meeting to gather senior leaders from the Command’s headquarters, component commands, U.S. Department of State and more than 47 U.S. Ambassadors and Chargés d’affaires from across Europe to discuss unified support to U.S. foreign policy and national security efforts in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by SSG Aaron Daugherty)

Honorable James O’Brien, assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander, U.S. European Command, and Amb. Kate Marie Byrnes, civilian deputy and foreign policy advisor to U.S. European Command, deliver opening remarks at the annual Chiefs of Mission Conference in Stuttgart, Germany, April 25, 2024. USEUCOM hosted the annual meeting to gather senior leaders from the Command’s headquarters, component commands, U.S. Department of State and more than 47 U.S. Ambassadors and Chargés d’affaires from across Europe to discuss unified support to U.S. foreign policy and national security efforts in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by SSG Aaron Daugherty)