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 Staff Sgt. Michael Dunagan
B-Roll: U.S. Army enhances readiness with situational training exercises in Poland
70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
July 16, 2025 | 1:00
U.S. Army soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division supporting Task Force Iron, conduct a force-on-force situational training exercise at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, July 10, 2025. During the exercise, U.S. soldiers joined troops from Romania and the United Kingdom in completing combat operations simulating real-world scenarios. This training enhanced the Battle Group's interoperability and effectiveness in engaging enemy forces. Task Force Iron’s mission is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent to increase lethality while strengthening partnerships with NATO allies and regional security partners. The task force provides combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s only forward-deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army Video by Staff Sgt. Michael Dunagan)
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What is happening where?

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  • 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.