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 Spc. Charles Clark
3-25 AVN Soldiers shoot M249 machine guns from LMTVs at Pohakuloa Training Area
25th Combat Aviation Brigade
March 3, 2025 | 0:45
Soldiers with E Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade (25th CAB), 25th Infantry Division conduct a live fire gunnery with M249 squad automatic weapon light machine guns from light medium tactical vehicles at the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) on the Big Island of Hawaii, February 28, 2025. The 25th CAB Soldiers trained in several weapons systems at PTA to become more efficient and lethal Soldiers. (U.S. Army video by Spc. Charles Clark)
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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.