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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Savannah Hardesty
USS Iwo Jima Launches a Rolling Airframe Missile
USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)
April 1, 2025 | 0:12
ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 24, 2025) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) launches a Rolling Airframe Missile during a live-fire exercise while underway. Iwo Jima recently completed Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training, a critical evolution during its advanced phase of training at sea, designed to enhance warfighting effectiveness and interoperability. Iwo Jima is the flagship of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group which is uniquely positioned to deter aggression, project power through presence abroad, and execute contingency missions with its integrated Marine Corps team in Support of U.S. strategic interests. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Savannah Hardesty)
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.