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 Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim
F-22 Raptors bring the fight during Checkered Flag and WSEP
325th Fighter Wing
May 9, 2025 | 3:18
U.S. Airmen and F-22 Raptors assigned to the 71st Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, participate in Checkered Flag 25-2 and Weapons System Evaluation Program East 25.04 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, April 29 – May 15, 2025. These exercises contribute to enhancing global response force readiness by strengthening partnerships between units. This ensures a more formidable combat force and enables Airmen to execute live-fire exercises while experiencing simulated real-world air-to-air combat. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Zachary Nordheim)
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Press Information

enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.