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 Nicholas J. De La Pena, Chris House
Senegal takes on weapons training during African Lion 2024 [Social Media 9:16]
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa
May 29, 2024 | 0:28
Senegalese soldiers participate in a live-fire zero and grouping weapons range led by U.S. Army Soldiers and members of the Royal Netherlands Army in Dodji, Senegal, May 23, 2024. Basic rifle marksmanship training provided Senegalese soldiers with an opportunity to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative readiness training in an austere environment. African Lion 2024 (AL24) marks the 20th anniversary of U.S. Africa Command’s premiere joint exercise, and the fifth year Senegal has hosted. Directed by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), running from April 19 to May 31 across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, with over 8,100 participants from 27 nations and NATO contingents, AL24 is the largest annual exercise in Africa. (U.S. Army video edited by Chris House) (U.S. Army Reserve video footage by Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas J. De La Pena)
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.