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 Lance Cpl. Christian Salazar
CLB-6 and Finnish Service Members Conduct Helicopter Sling Load Operations
2nd Marine Logistics Group
Feb. 22, 2024 | 2:35
U.S. Marines assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conduct helicopter sling load operations during exercise Freezing Winds 23 in Dragsvik, Finland, Nov. 27, 2023. FW23 is a Finnish-led maritime exercise in which United States Marines assigned to Marine Rotational Force- Europe, and U.S. Navy Forces Europe take part. The exercise serves as a venue to increase Finnish Navy readiness and increase U.S., Finland, and NATO partners and Allies interoperability in operational logistics, integrated fires, and amphibious operations in and around Baltic Sea littorals. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Christian Salazar)
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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.