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 Sgt. Salvador Castro
10th Mountain, 11th Airborne Division, Train on Finnish Skis
27th Public Affairs Detachment
Feb. 23, 2025 | 1:43
Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), and 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, train on Finnish skis to enhance readiness and lethality during Arctic Forge 25 in Sodankylä, Finland, Feb. 22, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Allies and partner nations train together to refine tactics, techniques, and procedures to improve their warfighting readiness, tactical proficiency, and integration. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Salvador Castro)
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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.