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 Shardae McAfee
Mission-Ready Airmen in Action!
172nd Airlift Wing
Jan. 11, 2025 | 1:56
U.S. Airmen with the 172nd Contingency Response Flight, 172nd Airlift Wing, Mississippi National Guard, simulate rapid deployment during a training exercise at Auxiliary Field One at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, Dec. 6, 2024. The unit flew in on UH-60 Blackhawks of Company G, 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard. Members of the 172 CRF strengthened their war fighting capabilities to rapidly deploy and perform airfield management operations. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Senior Airman Shardae McAfee)
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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.