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 Tech. Sgt. Andrew Enriquez
42nd Infantry Division Band "Over There" for 250th Army Birthday
113th Wing D.C. Air National Guard
June 16, 2025 | 3:24
The 42nd Infantry Division Band, joined by volunteer augmentees from the District of Columbia and Ohio Army National Guards, performs World War I-era hit "Over There" while marching as the lead element for the parade segment commemorating the war at the 250th Army Birthday parade in Washington, D.C. June 14th, 2025, to include a pass-and-review inspection by President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The division's World War I valor and sacrifice was honored during the parade. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Enriquez)
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What is happening where?

Redirecting...
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    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.