DEFENDER

 

 

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. Karla Parra
AFN Europe Report - October 24, 2025
Regional Media Center AFN Europe
Nov. 20, 2025 | 2:00
In this AFN Europe Report:

U.S. Army paratroopers, assigned to first battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade and Italian service members conducted airborne training operations over the Juliet drop zone in Maniago, Italy.

U.S Africa command, deputy commander, army lieutenant general John Brennan, visited Libya to discuss Libya’s roll in exercise Flintlock 26.

(U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Karla Parra)
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.