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. Sean LeClaire
VMFA-533 receives their first F-35B Lightning II jet
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Oct. 11, 2024 | 3:57
U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), receive their first F-35B Lightning II jet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 11, 2024. VMFA-533 received their first F-35B Lightning II jet, marking their transition from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35B. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Sean LeClaire)
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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.