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 Lance Cpl. Richard PerezGarcia
VMM-165 Conducts a TRAP during SLTE 4-25
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
Aug. 13, 2025 | 3:20
U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron (VMM) 165, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conduct a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel exercise during Service Level Training Exercise 4-25, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, August 2, 2025. TRAP missions reinforce and enhance expeditionary recovery efforts of personnel in search and rescue scenarios. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Richard PerezGarcia)
More

Up Next

More Videos

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.