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 Senior Airman Gabriel Held, Sgt. Rebekah Wall
Interview: Lt. Col. Mike Wiehagen speaks about Defender Castle 2025
Regional Media Center AFN Europe
July 10, 2025 | 2:26
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mike Wiehagen, commander of 15th Engineer Battalion, gives his thoughts on Defender Castle 2025 after the opening ceremony on Drawsko Pomorskie Combat Training Center, Poland, July 1, 2025. Defender Castle 2025 is part of the DEFENDER 25 series and integrates engineering, logistics medical readiness and joint combat exercises to strengthen NATO deterrence and response capabilities across Europe. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Gabriel Held)
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  • Saber Guardian

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Press Information

enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.