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 Capt. Jennifer French
B-Roll: Battle Company Paratroopers Conduct Urban Operations Training During Swift Response 2025 in Lithuania
173rd Airborne Brigade
May 22, 2025 | 5:14
U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to Battle Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, conduct Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 21, 2025, during Swift Response 2025. The training hones small-unit tactics, decision-making, and mission execution in complex urban environments, while reinforcing NATO interoperability in a multinational setting. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward stationed in Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build readiness and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army video by Capt. Jennifer French)
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Press Information

enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.