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 Lance Cpl. Aimee Jordan
11th MEU Marines participate in the Marine Corps Combat Pistol Program
11th Marine Expeditionary Unit
Aug. 5, 2025 | 1:19
U.S. Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, participate in the Combat Pistol Program at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 24, 2025. The annual pistol qualification evaluates a Marine’s proficiency with a service pistol to ensure lethality in combat. (U.S. Marine Corps motion media by Lance Cpl. Aimee Jordan)
More

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.