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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Monica Walker
USS Benfold (DDG 65) conducts live-fire training
Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron 15
April 27, 2025 | 0:41
PHILIPPINE SEA (April 25, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) launches a Standard Missile-2 at a high-speed maneuvering aerial target drone during a tactical training exercise conducted in the Philippine Sea, April 25, 2025. Benfold is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, and is underway in the 7th Fleet area of operations conducting advanced tactical training to enhance warfighting capability and tactical proficiency. DESRON 15 is the Navy's Largest DESRON and U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Monica Walker)
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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.