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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Briana Carter
USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) conducts dive operations in McMurdo Sound during Operation Deep Freeze
U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area
Jan. 24, 2025 | 2:22
U.S. Coast Guard divers from Regional Dive Lockers West and Pacific conduct dive operations aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) in the McMurdo Sound during Operation Deep Freeze, Jan. 13, 2025. Every year, a joint and total force team works together to complete Operation Deep Freeze. Active, Guard, and Reserve service members from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Navy work together to forge a strong Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica (JTF-SFA) that continues the proud tradition of U.S. military support to the United States Antarctic Program. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Briana Carter)
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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.