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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacquelin Frost
NATO JFC Norfolk Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Michelson Visits VP-46 in Iceland
Patrol Squadron 46
June 18, 2025 | 1:37
A b-roll video of Cmdr. Eric Bowen, commanding officer, Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, hosting Maj. Gen. Elisabeth Michelsen, deputy chief of staff, operations, NATO JFC Norfolk, during a hangar and P-8A Poseidon aircraft tour at Keflavík Air Base, Iceland, June 5, 2025. VP-46 and VP-69 are on a joint deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support warfighting effectiveness, lethality and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and defend U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacquelin Frost.) (This video has been altered for security purposes by blurring out identification badges.)
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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.