DEFENDER 23 is a U.S.European Command directed multi-national, joint exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S. and NATO allies and partners. DEFENDER 23 will: - take place from 22 April to 23 June - include more than 7,000 U.S. and 17,000 multi-national service members from more than 20 Allied and partner nations - demonstrate U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s ability to quickly aggregate combat power in Eastern Europe - increase lethality of the NATO Alliance through long-distance fires - build unit readiness in a complex joint, multi-national environment - leverage host nation capabilities to increase operational reach