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. Christopher Castro
VMX-1 Air-Transports Water for Mountainous Wildlife
Marine Corps Air Station Yuma
June 6, 2025 | 6:20
U.S. Marines with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1 work alongside Range Management, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, and Arizona Game and Fish to haul water to catchments in the Kofa mountain ranges, May 6, 2025. The water was transported in order to support Arizona Game and Fish efforts for wildlife preservation and to allow Marines to conduct critical training, testing innovative methods and keeping mission readiness high. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Christopher Castro)
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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.