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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Tyler Miller
Sailors Onboard USS Iwo Jima Participate in a Main Space Fire Drill
USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)
April 14, 2025 | 1:59
ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 13, 2025) Sailors, assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), dress out and fight a simulated fire during a damage control drill while underway. Iwo Jima is with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group conducting Amphibious Squadron Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT), designed to test the capabilities of the IWO ARG and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit as a fully-integrated expeditionary force. PMINT gives the Navy-Marine Corps team a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships and interoperability before deployment. The IWO ARG consists of its flagship, Iwo Jima, and the San Antonio-class Landing Dock ships USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28). The IWO ARG—in concert with its integrated 22nd MEU team—deters aggression, projects power through presence abroad, and executes contingency missions in support of U.S. strategic interests around the world. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph T. Miller)
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.