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 1st Sgt. Jason Everett
Iowa National Guard’s 42 Romeo plays RAGBRAI main stage (B-Roll)
Joint Force Headquarters - Iowa National Guard
July 26, 2025 | 7:51
The Band 42 Romeo of the 34th Army Band, 67th Troop Command, Iowa National Guard, performed on the main stage at RAGBRAI in Oelwein, Iowa, July 25, 2025. The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa is a weeklong cycling event that draws thousands of riders and spectators from across the country. (U.S. Army National Guard B-Roll package by 1st Sgt. Jason Everett)
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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.