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 Cpl. Christopher Lape
Marines Extend Range of F-35Bs with Air-to-Air Refueling
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
Aug. 29, 2024 | 2:16
U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II strike fighter aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly alongside a KC-130J Super Hercules tanker aircraft assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, during an aerial refueling exercise in the vicinity of the Miyako Strait, Aug. 21, 2024. The air-to-air refueling extends the patrolling and strike range abilities of F-35Bs, outspreading a 5th generation multi-discipline strike capability to support combined-joint all domain operations in key maritime terrain. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Christopher Lape)
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.