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 Chris House
Interview: Col. Jason A. Clarke speaks at the African Land Forces Colloquium (ALFC24)
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa
May 25, 2025 | 2:54
U.S. Army Col. Jason A. Clarke, 2nd Security Forces Assistance Brigade, (2nd SFAB) commander, discusses the relationship between 2nd SFAB and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) while at the African Land Forces Colloquium, (ALFC24) in Padova, Italy, September 10, 2024.

ALFC24 brings together military and civilian experts to discuss “Integrated Approaches to Regional Security in West Africa”. ALFC is an annual forum, planned and executed by SETAF-AF, for senior leaders from land forces across Africa, the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, and other partners to solidify relationships, exchange information and encourage cooperation in addressing challenges.

SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe. (U.S. Army video by Chris House)
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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.