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 Matthew C Clouse
AFWERX Refinery advances lightweight LZ/DZ marking system
Air Force Research Laboratory
March 4, 2025 | 0:52
AFWERX, through its Refinery program, is driving innovation by replacing bulky, 40-pound legacy landing zone (LZ) and drop zone (DZ) marking systems with a lightweight, 22-pound solution designed for rapid deployment. This compact, portable system fits into a small rucksack, allowing a single operator to transport and deploy it with ease. Developed with input from Air Mobility Liaisons, Special Tactics Teams, and Army Pathfinders, the system enhances agility, mission readiness, and operational effectiveness in modern combat environments. Efforts are underway to integrate it into standard equipment lists to improve mobility-focused operations across the force. (U.S. Air Force video by Matthew Clouse)
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.