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. James Bourgeois
German military cemetery Ceremony BRoll 05.27.23
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa
June 30, 2023 | 0:58
U.S. Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa and German Army soldiers conduct a ceremony at the Belleau German military cemetery on May 27, 2023. The ceremony was held to commemorate the 105th Anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood, honoring those service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) staff throughout the world honor these fallen service members each and every day by maintaining memorial sites, offering commemoration services, and educating future generations of our nations fallen. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. James Bourgeois)
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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.