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 Megan Hackett
U.S. Army Parachute Team jumps for Army 250th Birthday Parade
U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights
June 15, 2025 | 0:05
Aerial footage of Sgt. 1st Class Griffin Mueller of the U.S. Army Parachute Team performing a demonstration parachute jump over Washington D.C. on 14 June 2025. The jump was part of the Army 250th birthday parade. (U.S. Army video by Staff Sgt. Nickolas Orozco)
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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.