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 Cpl. Max Arellano
Operation Ironclad: Discipline Defines Us
I Marine Expeditionary Force
June 2, 2025 | 2:20
U.S. Marines and Sailors throughout I Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Installations – West initiate Operation Ironclad, June 2, 2025. Operation Ironclad is a deliberate effort to suppress complacency and strengthen discipline across the largest Marine Air-Ground Task Force in the Marine Corps, ensuring readiness for competition and conflict with a near-peer adversary. By reinforcing core competencies, holding leaders accountable, and demanding the highest standards, the operation aims to build a more precise, professional, and combat-ready force. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Max Arellano)
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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.