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 Airman 1st Class Patrick ONeill
Spouse flight and KC-46 static b-roll
22nd Air Refueling Wing
June 6, 2025 | 2:20
A KC-46A Pegasus is parked at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, June 2, 2025, and Team McConnell spouses experience an incentive flight aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Midwestern United States, May 29, 2025. The incentive flight offered military spouses an opportunity to experience their partners’ daily operations. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Patrick O’Neill)
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Press Information

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