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. Alexander Mantai
WTI 1-26: 48th Rescue Squadron conducts HELOCAST
Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1
Oct. 26, 2025 | 3:40
U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) and U.S. Airmen with 48th Rescue Squadron, 563d Rescue Group, 355th Wing conduct a helocast exercise as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 1-26 at Theodore Roosevelt Lake near Phoenix, Arizona, Oct. 16, 2025. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine aviation in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, Joint and Coalition Forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alexander Mantai)
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enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.