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. Rachel Hall
B-Roll: Michigan Army National Guard soldiers assault trenches at Exercise Baltic Viking
70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
June 13, 2025 | 1:53
U.S. Army soldiers with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard train in trench warfare during Exercise Baltic Viking near Alūksne, Latvia, June 8, 2025. The Guardsmen will work with Latvian National Armed Forces, NATO’s Multinational Division - North and other NATO allies, on collective squad and platoon training throughout the exercise. The U.S. Army’s presence in Latvia enhances combat readiness, ensuring U.S. forces can operate effectively alongside its NATO allies, in diverse conditions. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Rachel Hall)
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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.