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 Cpl. Michael Taggart
5th ANGLICO Ryuku Hammer | M203 Grenade Launcher Range
III MEF Information Group
April 30, 2025 | 1:42
U.S. Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and Battlespace Surveillance Company, 3d Intelligence Battalion, fire M203 grenade launchers during Ryukyu Hammer 25 at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 22, 2025. Ryukyu Hammer 25 is a training exercise under the Kaiju Rain 25 series that allows Marines to maintain their proficiency in patrolling, weapons employment, and other key combat capabilities that ensure lethality and readiness in austere environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Taggart)
More

Up Next

More Videos

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.