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. Rayonne Bissant
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Conduct Air Assault School in Romania
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
May 15, 2025 | 2:46
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) participate in briefings, class instructions and an obstacle course during air assault school at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, Romania, May 12-13, 2025. The Air Assault course qualifies Soldiers in air assault helicopter operations, including aircraft orientation, sling load operations, rappelling from buildings, helicopters and fast rope techniques. (U.S. Army Video by Spc. Rayonne Bissant)
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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.