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 Seleena Muhammad-Ali, Senior Airman Ashley Talley
494th FS conducts surge training B-Roll
48th Fighter Wing
March 19, 2025 | 2:42
U.S. Air Force aircrew assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron and 494th Fighter Generation Squadron conduct surge training at RAF Lakenheath, England, March 12-13, 2025. Surge operations are a vital component to the development of aircrew and support personnel, allowing them to build and improve the skills needed to remain a mission ready force. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Seleena Muhammad-Ali and Senior Airman Ashley Talley)
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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.