DEFENDER

 

 

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. Zackery Dear, Sgt. Migel Reynosa
B-Roll: 1st Recon Bn., VMX-1 conduct helocast using CH-53K
1st Marine Division
Dec. 1, 2025 | 4:38
U.S. Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and 1st Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1 complete a helocasting with a CH-53K King Sea Stallion helicopter, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 21, 2025. This marks the first time the Marine Corps has used the CH-53K for day and nighttime helocasting. (U.S Marine Corps video by Sgt. Migel A. Reynosa and Lance Cpl. Zackery Dear)
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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.