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 Airman 1st Class Paula Arce
KC-46 and KC-135 static displays on McConnell flightline b-roll
22nd Air Refueling Wing
June 6, 2025 | 3:14
A KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotanker fleet sits at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, June 6, 2025. McConnell received its first KC-135 in 1971 and its first KC-46 in 2019. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)
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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.