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 Amanda Dick
2024 Annual Awards Banquet recap
445th Airlift Wing, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
April 23, 2025 | 5:09
The 445th Airlift Wing celebrates during its 2024 Annual Awards Banquet at the National Museum of the Air Force in Riverside, Ohio, April 5, 2025. Airmen, their families, distinguished guests and members of the community honored winners in categories for Airman of the Year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, First Sergeant of the Year, Company Grade Officer of the Year, Field Grade Officer of the Year, Recruiter of the Year, Honor Guard Member of the Year, Civilian of the Year in Categories I and II, Spouse of the Year, Youth of the Year, Community Partner of the Year, and Squadron of the Year. (U.S. Air Force video by Amanda Dick) Staff Sgt. Johnathan Quiñones contributed to this video.
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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.