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 Pfc. Makenna Tilton
10th Mountain Division Engineers Compete in the Best Sapper Competition 2025
27th Public Affairs Detachment
April 28, 2025 | 1:35
1st Lt. Colton Schaal, a platoon leader, and Sgt. Noah Bielak, a squad leader, both assigned to the 63rd Combat Engineer Company, 41st Engineer Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (LI), compete in the grueling Sapper Stakes event during the Best Sapper Competition, April 27, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. The competition highlights the Army's top combat engineers from various military occupational specialties, putting their mental and physical strength to the test in an intense five-day event. (U.S. Army video by Pfc. Makenna Tilton)
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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.