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 Paige Weldon
F-16, KC-46 aerial refueling
22nd Air Refueling Wing
June 6, 2025 | 2:53
Airmen from the 350th Air Refueling Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, refueled F-16 Fighting Falcons, from Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico and a KC-46A Pegasus, from the 931st Air Refueling Wing at McConnell, during their flight path through New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas, June 4, 2025. During the flight, pilots and booms completed checkride requirements in order to stay current on training and readiness requirements. (U.S. Air video by Senior Airman Paige Weldon)
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Press Information

enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.