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. Kanoa Thomas
HIMARS Training Operation in Italy Broll Package
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa
June 19, 2024 | 1:04
U.S Marines with Kilo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, conduct dry fire exercises with the San Marco Marine Brigade, Decimomannu Air Base, Italy, May 17, 2024. The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, renowned for its unparalleled mobility, unleashes a relentless barrage of six precision-guided missiles in rapid succession. Exercise Swift Response 24 is a cornerstone of DEFENDER 24 and stands as the largest U.S. Army exercise in Europe, boasting participation from over 17,000 American troops and 23,000 multinational service members hailing from more than 20 Allied and partner nations. These nations include Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. (U.S Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Kanoa Thomas)
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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.