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 Alexis Redin
BH 25-2: Kadena Demonstrates Indo-Pacific Readiness with Joint Elephant Walk - B-Roll Package
18th Wing
May 14, 2025 | 3:05
U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Navy assets line up on the runway for an elephant walk during a routine operational readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 6, 2025. Team Kadena showcased an array of aircraft, demonstrating a portion of the 100+ aircraft operating from the Keystone of the Pacific.
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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.