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 Erin Dunkleberger
378th AEW Fourth of July video
United States Air Forces Central
July 8, 2025 | 1:03
U.S. Airmen assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing display their patriotism for the Fourth of July, within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, July 3, 2025. Also known as Independence Day, the Fourth of July is a federal holiday that commemorates the United States’ separation from Great Britain in 1776 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, ultimately founding the country as a new independent nation. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Erin Dunkleberger)
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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.