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 Sgt. Rachel Hall
A-Roll: Task Force Iron, Maryland National Guard join NATO allies in Estonia's Victory Day Parade
70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
June 27, 2025 | 2:33
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brice Bell and Capt. Jason Peachey with Alpha Company, 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division talk about Estonia’s Victory Day parade and their involvement in the flyover with two UH-60 Black Hawks at Lielvārde air base, Latvia, June 23, 2025. The flyover consisted of six aircraft from the U.S., Estonia, and Portugal flying over the Victory Day parade ground in Pärnu, Estonia. U.S. presence in Estonia enhances combat readiness, strengthens interoperability, and reinforces partnerships with NATO allies, ensuring U.S. forces can operate effectively alongside them in diverse conditions. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Rachel Hall)
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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.