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 Staff Sgt. Tyrone Thomas
KC-135 Air Refueling Thunderbirds and A-10 Warthog
452nd Air Mobility Wing
April 14, 2025 | 2:00
A KC-135 Stratotanker conducts simultaneous aerial refueling operations with a Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog" and a USAF Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcon, demonstrating multi-platform interoperability and in-flight fuel transfer precision. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff. Sgt. Tyrone Thomas)
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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.