DefenderEurope

DEFENDER

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 Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo

U.S. Marines from across II MEF rehearse setting up a forward arming and refueling point while forward deployed

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa

Nov. 21, 2025 | 5:37

U.S. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, and Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, both with Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, execute a forward arming and refueling point rehearsal during Exercise Freezing Winds 2025 at Syndalen, Finland, Nov. 12, 2025. A FARP is used to extend the capabilities of rotary or fixed wing aircrafts by enabling expeditionary rearming and refueling. This rehearsal furthers interoperability and skills needed for bilateral training in order to aid Finnish aircraft to extend operability and ensure mission success. Freezing Winds is conducted to increase interoperability between Marines, Finland, and NATO Allies by executing combined amphibious operations in and around the Baltic Sea littorals and is part of a regularly occurring series of exercises in northern Europe that demonstrates the capability to deploy and train Marines and Sailors in support of the NATO Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo)

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U.S. Marines from across II MEF rehearse setting up a forward arming and refueling point while forward deployed