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. Anakin Smith
Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 conducts field carrier-landing practice
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Aug. 11, 2023 | 1:27
U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II pilots with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 conduct field carrier-landing practice with AV-8B Harrier II jets at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, Aug. 8, 2023. Marines with VMA-223 conducted field carrier-landing practice to maintain readiness and prepare for shipborne operations. VMA-223 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)

This B-roll package contains:
AV-8B Harrier II jets performing vertical landings and short takeoffs.
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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.