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 Master Sgt. Zach Sheely
Nordhaus talks National Guard mission triad at Lincoln Memorial
National Guard Bureau
May 19, 2025 | 2:17
Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, talks about the Guard's mission triad of supporting the warfight, defending and responding in the homeland, and building partnerships, Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C., May 19, 2025. (U.S. Army video by Master Sgt. Zach Sheely)
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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.