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 Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook
U.S. Troops prepare for Ballast Cannon 24.3 Exercise
United States Air Forces Central
Jan. 6, 2024 | 1:19
Airmen assigned to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility along with cargo arrive at an undisclosed location in preparation for the Ballast Cannon 24.3 exercise, Jan. 5, 2024. As a routine exercise occurring nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force, Ballast Cannon supports the U.S. Air Force’s rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel. (U.S. Air Force video by Tech. Sgt. Alexander Cook)
More

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.