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 Ian Connors, Airman 1st Class Chloee Helt, James Jones, Senior Airman Jhobany Sanchez, Senior Airman Grace St. Pierre, Senior Airman Tyler Vinup
Airpower Affords America Options
3d Audiovisual Squadron
June 4, 2025 | 1:29
General David W. Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, describes how traits inherent to the U.S. Air Force uniquely position the service to offer scalable options to the President and Secretary of Defense during both competition and conflict. Because of the service’s speed, agility, responsiveness, and lethality, the U.S. Air Force offers a range of options ranging from rapid response to decisive victory.
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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.