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 Senior Airman Renee Blundon
1st Quarter Load Crew Competition Sharpens RPA Maintenance Readiness
432nd Wing
April 30, 2025 | 1:00
Airmen from Creech Air Force Base showcased their skills during the 1st Quarter Load Crew Competition, held on April 25, 2025. Three-person maintenance loading teams competed in a friendly, fast-paced, mission-focused environment, racing against the clock to load inert munitions onto MQ-9 Reaper aircraft. The event emphasized not only speed, but also safety, teamwork, and precision, key qualities for real-world mission success. These competitions enhance mission readiness by sharpening technical skills in a controlled setting while promoting camaraderie and boosting morale across the remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) maintenance community. (U.S. Air Force Video by Senior Airman Renee Blundon)
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.