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 Tech. Sgt. Maeson Elleman
480th FS takes to the skies for Cobra Warrior 23-2
52nd Fighter Wing
Sept. 19, 2023 | 0:57
U.S. Airmen and F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, joined NATO partners for the Royal Air Force-led Cobra Warrior exercise in September 2023. Participating in the exercise were the U.K., U.S., Denmark, Italy, The Netherlands and Norway. The purpose of this exercise is to strengthen the tactical interoperability skills of participating international partners, aircrews and supporting elements within a composite air operation environment. (U.S. Air Force video by Tech. Sgt. Maeson L. Elleman)
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What is happening where?

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  • 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.