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 Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean
26th MEU(SOC) Marines Conduct Live-fire Training B-Roll
26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
Dec. 4, 2023 | 1:43
231020-M-VB101-1001 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Oct. 20, 2023) U.S. Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) conduct live-fire training aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, Oct. 20. Components of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to increase maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean)
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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.