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. Mya Seymour
U.S. Marines with HMLA-269 and 2nd Recon conduct SPIE training (vertical)
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
May 20, 2025 | 0:23
U.S. Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269 conduct special patrol insertion and extraction training near Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, May 8, 2025. HMLA-269 conducted a series of training evolutions with 2nd Recon to improve the squadron’s proficiency in providing assault support to Marine Corps ground units. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Mya Seymour)
More

Up Next

More Videos

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.