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 Airman 1st Class Cayla Hunt
374th SFS Exercise Keen Sword 2025
374th Airlift Wing
Nov. 5, 2024 | 0:55
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Morgan Hammer provides an overview of Guard and Protect, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, October 29, 2024, as part of Exercise Keen Sword 25. This exercise showcased the interoperability of U.S. and Japanese forces in scenarios demanding heightened security readiness. Keen Sword, a biennial joint and bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces, is designed to enhance operational readiness, strengthen interoperability, and solidify the enduring U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Cayla Hunt)
More

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.