Soldiers from Bravo Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (B/5-4 ADAR), part of the 52d Air Defense Artillery Brigade and the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, are currently showcasing their advanced air defence systems in Hungary. Their deployment is part of Saber Guardian 2025, a multinational military exercise running from 6 to 27 June near Veszprém, under the broader Defender Europe 2025 series.
The exercise aims to enhance integration and interoperability among NATO allies and partners in a complex and realistic training environment. For B/5-4 ADAR, the event serves as a key opportunity to refine critical air defence capabilities while working closely with allied forces.
During the training, the unit is focusing on active air defence and early warning dissemination at both battery and platoon levels. This involves deploying the Mobile Short-Range Air Defense system known as SGT Stout, alongside Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), in coordination with ground manoeuvre elements.
Their participation reinforces NATO’s collective defence posture by demonstrating the seamless integration of air defence with mobile ground units. The unit’s role ensures both the protection of allied forces and their freedom of movement in contested environments.
Key elements of the exercise include a tactical road march to demonstrate deployment and redeployment capabilities, and close integration with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. The soldiers are also taking part in both simulated and live-fire engagements against drone targets using the SGT Stout, while MANPADS teams conduct their own live-fire drills.
B/5-4 ADAR is executing multiple training scenarios to evaluate their full operational readiness. This includes establishing secure links between the Battery Command Post and the 2CR’s Tactical Operations Centres, and embedding platoon leaders within the 2CR Battalion Command Post.
The unit is also supporting combined arms manoeuvre live-fire events, delivering essential air defence coverage for ground troops. In addition, they are involved in Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) drills and conducting interoperability training with Spanish forces from the X Bandera and 11th Cavalry Regiment.
The exercise demands extensive planning and coordination to ensure each phase is executed safely and effectively. This includes risk management for live-fire exercises and overcoming logistical and administrative challenges of operating overseas.
“Participating in Saber Guardian 2025 is a unique opportunity for our Soldiers to demonstrate and refine their tactical and technical proficiency in a demanding environment,” said 1st Lt. Bryan Ziegler, platoon leader with B/5-4 ADAR. “These types of exercises are critical to building trust and strengthening partnerships with our NATO allies.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Chavez of B/5-4 ADAR added, “Our Soldiers are executing with professionalism and focus, and their performance here confirms that we are prepared to support our allies and deter aggression in the region.”
Saber Guardian 2025 underlines the United States’ commitment to NATO and to maintaining peace and stability in Europe. The active involvement of units like B/5-4 ADAR highlights the U.S. Army’s readiness to support allies through credible, integrated military capabilities.