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. Rachel Hall
A-Roll: Michigan Army National Guard and Danish Armed Forces enhance squad tactics in Latvia
70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
June 13, 2025 | 2:51
U.S. Army Spc. Andrew Urban and Staff Sgt. Samuel Webber with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard and LCpl. Emil with the Danish Armed Forces at NATO’s Multinational Division - North speak about their experiences during Exercise Baltic Viking and working with NATO allies at Camp Adazi, Latvia, June 6, 2025. During Exercise Baltic Viking, the Guardsmen will work with Latvian National Armed Forces, NATO’s Multinational Division - North, and other NATO allies. The Michigan National Guard established a State Partnership with Latvia shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1993. The 32-year partnership is the longest of the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. The U.S. Army’s presence in Latvia enhances combat readiness, ensuring U.S. forces can operate effectively alongside NATO allies in diverse conditions. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Rachel Hall)
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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.