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 Senior Airman Brooklyn Golightly
BTF 25-2 aerial refueling
Minot Air Force Base
March 20, 2025 | 3:33
U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft pilots from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, perform aerial refuelings over Europe during Bomber Task Force 25-2 on Feb. 24, 2025. BTF 25-2 demonstrates cooperation, collaboration, integration, and solidarity to promote peace and security. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Brooklyn Golightly)
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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.