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 Avalon Jutras-Santonastasi
Pacific Spotlight: PO2 Stephanie Contreras
AFN Misawa
June 23, 2025 | 1:00
U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class Stephanie Contreras explains why she volunteered for the annual Cookie Caper at Misawa Air Base, Japan, December 12, 2024. The Cookie Caper builds up the community and ushers in the holiday spirit to boost morale, especially for those spending the holidays away from their families.
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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.