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 Staff Sgt. Reanna Hartgrove
C-17 Crew Chronicles: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Noah G. Cummins
145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard
April 1, 2025 | 1:09
The 145th Airlift Wing's C-17 Crew Chronicles series featuring Staff Sg.y Noah G. Cummins, 156th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Reanna Hartgrove)
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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.