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. Cameron Hershberger, Capt. James Kim
U.S. Army 250th Birthday Celebration reel
U.S. Army Reserve Command
June 16, 2025 | 1:20
U.S. Army Soldiers participate in the Army’s 250th Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., June 14, 2025. The parade featured approximately 6,700 Soldiers, 150 vehicles—including M1A2 Abrams tanks and Stryker armored vehicles—50 aircraft, 34 horses, two mules, and one dog. Soldiers marched alongside equipment and vehicles from key eras of Army history, showcasing how the force has evolved since 1775 in 250 years of continuous service to the nation. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Cameron Hershberger)
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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.