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 Vincenzo Vitiello
Swift Response 2025
Training Support Activity Europe
May 17, 2025 | 1:34
U.S. Army Col. Tracy Michael, commander of the 68th Theater Medical Command, discusses the critical role of Swift Response 25 in enhancing multinational medical readiness during the DEFENDER 25 exercise series at Vepriai Rocket Base, Lithuania, May 15, 2025.
DEFENDER 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led, U.S. European Command-directed exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S. and NATO allies and partners. DEFENDER 25 demonstrates the U.S. military’s ability to rapidly deploy combat-credible forces and equipment to assure allies, deter adversaries, and defend the continent from aggression.
(U.S. Army video by Vincenzo Vitiello and Maj. Jesse J. Bien)
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    FinlandItalyLatviaLithuaniaNorwaySwedenSlovenia

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    AlbaniaBulgariaCroatiaGreeceKosovoMontenegroNorth MacedoniaSlovakia

  • Saber Guardian

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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.