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. Du-Marc Mills
Washington D.C National Guard M320 Training
109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
June 8, 2025 | 1:02
U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 74th Troop Command, District of Columbia National Guard, fire M320 grenade launchers during an exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, June 7, 2025. The training improves readiness and marksmanship proficiency with the Army’s standard-issue under-barrel and standalone grenade launcher. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. Du-Marc Mills)
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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.