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 Airman 1st Class Adriana Jordan Alcaniz
Italian SOF conduct free fall jumps during EW 25.1
Air Force Special Operations Command
Feb. 10, 2025 | 0:29
Italian special operation forces members parachute off of a U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command MC-130J Commando II during exercise Emerald Warrior 25.1 in Arizona, Jan. 31, 2025. Air Force Special Operations Command enables the joint force by delivering SOF mobility, strike, ISR, and air-to-ground capabilities across the spectrum of competition and conflict. (US Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Adriana Jordan-Alcaniz)
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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.