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 Megan Geiger
JBLM, McConnell AFB execute aerial refueling for Explodeo
62nd Airlift Wing
March 5, 2024 | 5:28
U.S. Air Force KC-46 Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from McConnell Air Force Base along with the 62d Airlift Wing’s C-17 Globemaster III, take off during the exercise Explodeo at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Feb. 27, 2024. Explodeo highlights McConnell AFB’s ability to swiftly adapt to global changes, employing a gradual approach to ensure global mobility and peak readiness for critical responses. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Megan Geiger)
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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.