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 Sgt. Emeline Swyers
Lightning Strike 25: MWCS-38 Conducts Movement to Camp Pendleton
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Nov. 5, 2024 | 3:01
U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a convoy from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton as part of Exercise Lightning Strike 25 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Oct. 22, 2024. The convoy transported communication equipment and marked the commencement of a weeklong exercise. Lightning Strike 25 exemplifies MWCS-38’s ability to establish and maintain up to 15 communication nodes supporting Force Design initiatives by enabling distributed command and control in contested environments. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Emeline Swyers)
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What is happening where?

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  • 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.