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 Staff Sgt. Jasmonet Holmes
69th EBS supports exercise SPARTAN SHIELD
Minot Air Force Base
March 20, 2025 | 2:21
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron flies across the U.S. CENTCOM area of responsibility for exercise SPARTAN SHIELD during Bomber Task Force 25-2, Feb. 27, 2025. BTF missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness proficiency and validate our always-ready, global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Jasmonet Holmes)
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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.