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 Lance Cpl. Jadica Heinz, Lance Cpl. Andra Marton-Salgado
Marine Minute: 17-25
Defense Media Activity - Marines
May 1, 2025 | 0:59
U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and 6th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, conduct a small unmanned aircraft system patrol in support of Kaiju Rain 25 at the Ie Shima Training Facility. A U.S. Marine with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, simulates returning fire with an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a jungle familiarization course at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, April 22, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Jadica Heinz)
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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.