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 Liberty Matthews
436th SFS Airmen train to become Ravens
436th Airlift Wing
April 18, 2025 | 5:58
U.S. Airmen from the 436th Security Forces Squadron learn combatives during their four-week pre-Raven training at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, April 17, 2025. The pre-Raven training prepares the Airmen to attend the Ravens’ course at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Liberty Matthews)
More

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.