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 Spc. Carlos Marquez
2CR Conducts Vehicle Prep Ahead of Saber Guardian 25
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
June 5, 2025 | 3:18
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment perform pre-combat inspections and preventive maintenance checks on vehicles at Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany, June 6, 2025. The unit conducted equipment preparation in support of Saber Guardian 25, a multinational exercise enhancing readiness and interoperability across NATO’s eastern flank. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Carlos Marquez)

Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe and the Arctic region alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment and leverages host nation capabilities to increase the U.S. Army’s operational reach. During three large-scale combat training exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—Ally and partner forces integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, demonstrating combined command and control structures and readiness to respond to crisis and conflict. Spc. Casey Hinson interview on Saber Guardian 25.


Shot List:
00:00:06:00 - 2CR Soldiers secure equipment
00:00:45:00 - 2CR Soldier dons modular scalable vest
00:01:03:00 - 2CR Soldiers securing and performing maintenance care on vehicles
00:01:28:00 - 2CR Soldier ground guiding joint light tactical vehicle
00:01:49:22 - U.S. Army Infantryman, Spc. Casey Hinson assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment speaks on his role during Saber Guardian 25.
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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.