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 Airman 1st Class Zachary Jakel
Combat Archer U.K. B-Roll Footage Week 2
31st Fighter Wing
April 18, 2025 | 5:38
U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 555th Fighter and Fighter Generation Squadrons prepare and operate F-16 Fighting Falcons to practice integrated air missile defense during Combat Archer U.K. at RAF Lakenheath, England, April 9, 2025. Combat Archer U.K. provided live-fire air-to-air experience against threat-representative unmanned systems. By hosting Combat Archer U.K. in Europe, U.S. Air Forces Europe saved millions of dollars, allowing them to enhance the mission while staying on the right side of the cost curve. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Zachary Jakel)
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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.