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. Jackson Manske
KC-135 Stratotanker supports F-15E Strike Eagles with aerial refueling over USCENTCOM (stringer)
United States Air Forces Central
Jan. 23, 2025 | 1:02
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker conducts an aerial refueling mission with F-15E Strike Eagles over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 18, 2025. The KC-135 Stratotanker is the backbone of U.S. Air Forces Central's global reach aerial refueling capability and delivers critical support to joint and coalition aircraft to guarantee war-winning airpower throughout the CENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Jackson Manske)
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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.