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 Staff Sgt. Brittni Capozzi
180FW Northern Lightning BRoll
180th Fighter Wing Ohio National Guard
Aug. 22, 2024 | 12:21
More than 100 Airmen and 10 F-16 Fighting Falcons, assigned to the Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing participated in exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wis., Aug 2024. Northern Lightning focuses on the integration of joint and allied forces, with air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, dissimilar aircraft tactics and offensive and defensive counter air with realistic threats. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Brittni Capozzi)
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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.