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 Seaman Joseph Sitter
USS Spruance small boat operations
DoD Southern Border 2025
April 4, 2025 | 0:55
Members of a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment and Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) conduct small boat operations. The Spruance Sailors on the visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) team train to conduct operations with a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment while underway in the Pacific Ocean, March 27, 2025. U.S. Navy assets are being employed under U.S Northern Command’s maritime homeland defense authorities with a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment embarked to enable maritime interdiction missions to prevent the flow of illegal drugs or other illegal activity.  (U.S. Navy Video by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter)
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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.