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 Lance Cpl. Carla Perez Ramirez
End of an Era – 2d AA Battalion Bids Farewell to the AAV-P7A1
2nd Marine Division
May 19, 2025 | 1:09
U.S. Marines with 2d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2d Marine Division, prepare the Assault Amphibious Vehicles-P7/A1s for departure from Courthouse Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 19, 2025. The AAV-P7/A1, a cornerstone of Marine Corps amphibious operations, separated with the last Active Duty AAV-P7/A1s, marking the end of an era for a vehicle that played a crucial role in numerous amphibious assaults and operations spanning over 50 years. After decades of dependable service, the AAV-P7/A1’s retirement paves the way for the future of amphibious warfare, as the Marine Corps transitions to the new Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) and continues its legacy of rapid-response operations. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Carla Perez Ramirez)
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.