U.S. Army engineers of the 809th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 15th Engineer Battalion and Italian Armed Forces soldiers of the 2nd Regiment Pontieri Engineer Regiment stand together on the U.S. erected Improved Ribbon Bridge April 30, 2026 in Northern Poland. The two allied engineering elements assisted the 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment swiftly and effectively move across the river. The wet gap crossing is a tactical friendly forces maneuver performed during Saber Strike . From April 27 to May 31, 2026 U.S. and Allied forces will exercise NATO’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative, demonstrating NATO’s ability to fight and win on the modern battlefield. Nearly 15,000 troops from eleven nations will train across the High North, Baltic region, and Poland, executing rapid maneuvers, air defense, counter-drone operations, and cyber defense to validate NATO’s regional defense plans in real time. This series of linked exercises, including Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, turns investment into capability. Soldiers integrate unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. Sword 26 demonstrates how U.S. Army Europe and Africa drives transformation at scale while strengthening deterrence. Together with our Allies, we are building a unified, lethal force ready to defend NATO territory and respond to any threat. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Staff Sgt. Emilie Lenglain)
| Date Taken: | 04.30.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 05.01.2026 08:39 |
| Photo ID: | 9653392 |
| VIRIN: | 260430-A-KC361-1153 |
| Resolution: | 6163x3601 |
| Size: | 3.51 MB |
| Location: | PL |
| Web Views: | 5 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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