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 Lance Cpl. Jadica Heinz, Cpl. Joshua Munsen
Marine Minute 18-25
Defense Media Activity - Marines
May 8, 2025 | 0:59
U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 25.3, and Philippine Marines with 3rd Marine Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps, conduct a counter-landing live-fire event during Exercise Balikatan 25 at Rizal, Palawan, Philippines, April 28, 2025. U.S. Marines with 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct aerial fast rope training as a part of MEU Exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 30, 2025. Marines participated in fast rope training to enhance air-to-ground insertion capabilities during MEUEX to prepare for future operations. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Jadica Heinz)
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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.