US, Armenia conduct joint military exercise
U.S. & Armenian soldiers in Eagle Partner 2024 military exercise. (Photo via U.S. European Command)
The Eagle Partner 24 exercise, a joint military operation involving hundreds of U.S. and Armenian soldiers, concluded after a series of training operations. The exercise, which commenced on July 15, took place across various locations in Armenia.
The opening ceremony was held at the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy in Yerevan and was attended by Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien and other officials.
‘Standing shoulder to shoulder’
Ambassador Kvien mentioned the growing cooperation between the U.S. and Armenia, stating, “As I look out on this parade ground and see the large number of U.S. and Armenian soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder in formation, it is very clear just how much our bilateral cooperation has grown.”
Eagle Partner 24 is the second iteration of this exercise, which has expanded in size and scope since its inaugural session in September 2023. The exercise is aimed at preparing forces for participation in international peacekeeping missions and involved the Armenian Peacekeeping Brigade, soldiers from the U.S. Army’s European and African commands, and the Kansas National Guard.
Col. Darren Koberlein from the Kansas National Guard, the deputy director of the exercise, expressing his satisfaction stated, “The expectation from this iteration was to become better, deepen the friendships, deepen the partnership, and move the ball forward ten yards,” he said.
