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 Senior Airman Christian Corley
57th Fighter Squadron executes ground operations
33rd Fighter Wing
Feb. 19, 2025 | 0:37
Polish Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilots with the 57th Fighter Squadron execute ground operations at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, Jan. 29, 2025. Ground operations took place in preparation for Poland's first F-35 flights, marking a significant milestone for their history, as well as the Foreign Military Sales Program. (U.S. Air Force by Senior Airman Christian Corley)
More

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.