In order to prevent and limit the spreading of the COVID-19, the Romanian Armed Forces will no longer participate in Exercises SABER STRIKE, respectively SWIFT RESPONSE, adjacent to Exercise DEFENDER EUROPE 20.

The health of the soldiers and population around us is a top priority for the Romanian Armed Forces.

The Romanian Armed Forces act with responsibility and professionalism by contributing to the national effort to combat the epidemics, having ready-to-act forces and means which conduct activities in support of the central and local authorities, upon their request.

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The decision to cancel the participation was taken following an assessment made together with the strategic partner and the host nations.

Similarly, the United Forces Army Europe (USAREUR) sent a press release on this subject, which you can access at the following link:

https://www.eur.army.mil/Newsroom/Releases-Advisories/Press-Releases-Article-View/Article/2113178/exercise-defender-europe-20-update/.

The initial plan stipulated the participation of the Romanian soldiers to exercises conducted in Estonia, Latvia and Georgia consisting in several detachments of the Land, Air and Naval Forces of approximately 400 soldiers and 50 pieces of equipment.

The Press Office