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 3rd Class Victoria Schiebel
Orient Shield Opening Ceremony
U.S. Army Japan
Sept. 14, 2023 | 1:02
Orient Shield 23 kicked off their opening ceremony at Camp Higashichitose, Japan, Hosted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force on Thursday, September 14, 2023. Orient Shield is the largest bilateral field training exercise between the United States Army and the JGSDF, that started over 38 years ago in 1982. The exercise will be executed in various locations throughout Japan to test and refine multi-domain and cross-domain operations and assist with enhancing interoperability between the two nations, by using warfighter simulation and realistic field training exercises that included infantry, army aviation, and HIMARS live fire. It will also include logistic movements by air, land and sea. Orient Shield 23 will continue to strengthen the long standing partnership between the US Army and JGSDF.( Video by Navy Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Victoria Schiebel)
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What is happening where?

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  • 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.