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. Jonathon Downs
Leading the Charge: 2025 Lacerda Cup
3rd Infantry Division
April 10, 2025 | 0:43
Soldiers from across the Army compete in the 2025 Lacerda Cup Competition at Freedom Hall on Fort Benning, Georgia, April 8, 2025. The competition is named in honor of the late Staff Sgt. Pedro Lacerda of the 75th Ranger Regiment and recognizes the effectiveness of hand-to-hand fighting skills known as Modern Army Combatives. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Jonathon Downs)
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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.