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. Blake Gonter
Indo-Pacific servicemembers conduct Pre-Ranger course (SURT) in Hawaii
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific
Sept. 26, 2025 | 0:35
Candidates in the Small Unit Ranger Tactics course, hosted by the 25th Infantry Division execute various training events at Lightning Academy, Wahiawa, Hawaii, Sept. 16, 2025. SURT is a training program designed to prepare Soldiers for the rigors of Ranger School and to develop them into effective small-unit leaders. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Blake Gonter)
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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.