State Partnership Program

Video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Sperle

303rd FS Supports DEFENDER 23

AFN Rota

May 11, 2023 | 3:40

Airman from the 303rd Fighter Squadron stationed at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, join Exercise Swift Response 23, part of DEFENDER 23. DEFENDER 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led exercise, supported by U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, focused on the strategic deployment of continental United States-based forces and interoperability with Allies and partners. Taking place from April 22 to June 23, DEFENDER 23 demonstrates the U.S. Air Force’s ability to aggregate U.S.-based combat power quickly in Europe; increase lethality of the NATO Alliance through the U.S. Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment; build unit readiness in a complex joint, multi-national environment; and leverage host nation capabilities to increase USAFE-AFAFRICA’s operational reach. DEFENDER 23 includes more than 7,800 U.S. and 15,000 multi-national service members from various Allied and partner nations, including but not limited to: Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States.