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 Senior Airman Chase Verzaal
Aviano Air Base Hosts HH-60G Fini Flight
AFN Aviano
Jan. 10, 2025 | 1:00
The 56th Rescue Squadron and 56th Rescue Generation Squadron host a ceremonial last flight for the HH-60G “Pave Hawk” helicopters assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Dec. 18, 2024. The event allowed Wyverns to give a proper goodbye to the last operational Pave Hawks in the Active-Duty Air Force before they get sent to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Chase Verzaal)
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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.