DEFENDER is the Army’s largest annual opportunity to exercise moving personnel and equipment into theater across modes for initial and follow-on operations critical to Large Scale Combat Operations. Led by U.S. Army Europe and Africa, the exercise focuses on the strategic deployment of CONUS-based forces, employment of Army Prepositioned Stock and follow-on exercises demonstrating lethality and interoperability with Allies and partners

DEFENDER 25 Outreach tour
DEFENDER 25 Infographic

Videos
Video by Staff Sgt. Vincent Levelev
TF Sandpiper UH-60 Maintenance
101st Combat Aviation Brigade
March 19, 2025 | 2:15
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force (TF) Sandpiper, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (101 CAB), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) conduct maintenance on a UH-60 Blackhawk, March 19, 2025. TF Sandpiper provides critical support capabilities to the 101 CAB. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Vincent Levelev)
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What is happening where?

Redirecting...
  • Swift Response

    FinlandItalyLatviaLithuaniaNorwaySwedenSlovenia

  • Immediate Response

    AlbaniaBulgariaCroatiaGreeceKosovoMontenegroNorth MacedoniaSlovakia

  • Saber Guardian

    CzechiaGermanyHungaryRomaniaSlovakia

Press Information

enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.