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 Anthony Housey, Sgt. 1st Class Ben Houtkooper, Staff Sgt. Jorden Newbanks
Camp House Wildfire interview with Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nick Baum
Minnesota National Guard
May 13, 2025 | 7:08
The Minnesota National Guard's Army Chief Warrant Officer Nick Baum talks about his unit's efforts to assist in fighting the Camp House Wildfire near Brimson, Minnesota, May 13, 2025. Currently the Camp House, Jenkins Creek, and Munger Shaw Wildfires are burning North of Duluth, Minnesota, spreading across nearly 20,000 acres. Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard to support local authorities adding more that 20 Airmen and Soldiers, three UH-60 Blackhawk and one CH-47 Chinook helicopters, and two fueling trucks to the overall effort. (B-roll video by Staff Sgt. Jordan Newbanks and Tony Housey; Interview by Sgt. 1st Class Ben Houtkooper)
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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.