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 Sgt. Woodlyne Escarne
Drill Sergeant: Day in the life
Defense Media Activity - Army Productions
June 11, 2025 | 0:25
Staff Sgt. Rhoderick Perez, a drill sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, leads trainees through day three of the Forge, the final field training event for basic training Soldiers, on April 23, 2025. Perez provides mentorship and guidance as recruits complete the rigorous multi-day exercise. (Video by Sgt. Woodlyne Escarne)
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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.