DefenderEurope

DEFENDER: A Legacy of Strength and Commitment

For five years, the Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness (DEFENDER) exercise series has been the cornerstone of the U.S. Army’s commitment to European security. It has proven our ability to rapidly deploy combat-credible forces across the Atlantic, integrate with NATO Allies and partners, and demonstrate the strength of our collective resolve.

DEFENDER was not just an exercise; it was a visible and powerful affirmation of unity, readiness, and deterrence.

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From DEFENDER to Sword: A Strategic Transition

DEFENDER accomplished what it set out to do: validate the ability of U.S. forces to deploy rapidly, operate effectively alongside Allies, and deter aggression. It strengthened NATO’s collective defense posture and built trust among partner nations.

The new Sword exercise series shifts the focus of the exercise to in-place forces alongside increasingly lethal Allied land forces assuming more responsibility for the defense of Europe. For U.S. forces, it’s a platform for integrating cutting-edge capabilities, such as AI-enabled command and control systems, and multi-domain operations.

For more information on Sword and related exercises, visit the Sword website.

Building Readiness, Strengthening Alliances (2020-2025)

Launched in 2020, DEFENDER was designed to test and validate the ability of U.S. forces to deploy from bases in the United States to operational areas across Europe. Over the years, it grew into one of the largest and most complex multinational exercises in modern history, showcasing the capabilities of U.S. and Allied forces working together to protect NATO’s Eastern Flank.

Key operational achievements include:

Strategic Force Projection: DEFENDER repeatedly demonstrated the ability to deploy thousands of U.S.-based Soldiers and their equipment across Europe with speed and precision, ensuring readiness to respond to any crisis.
Command and Control Modernization: The exercise integrated the newly reactivated V Corps into the command structure, enhancing the ability to lead large-scale Allied operations and strengthening NATO’s collective defense posture.
Prepositioned Stocks: Drawing on Army Prepositioned Stocks (APS) in Europe, DEFENDER proved the ability to equip forces rapidly, ensuring they were ready to fight upon arrival.
Alliance Integration: In 2024, DEFENDER was directly linked to NATO’s Steadfast Defender, the largest Alliance exercise in decades, showcasing seamless U.S. contributions to collective defense and reaffirming the strength of the transatlantic bond.

DEFENDER in a Time of Crisis

The initial DEFENDER in 2020 was executed during the global COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of U.S. and Allied forces. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the exercise maintained its focus on readiness and interoperability, proving that even in the most difficult circumstances, the mission endures.

DEFENDER’s importance was underscored in 2022, when the exercise was conducted against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. DEFENDER 22 became more than a training event, it was a demonstration of NATO’s unity in the face of aggression. It sent a clear message to European partners and adversaries: The Alliance is unified, capable, and ready to defend every inch of NATO Territory.

This real-world context transformed DEFENDER into a critical act of deterrence, highlighting the importance of readiness and the strength of Allied partnerships during one of Europe’s most challenging moments in recent history.

Press Information

All news, photos and videos from DEFENDER is available for download on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
Visit this link for an image gallery
Defender Press Release Archive

Videos

Video by Sgt. Chandler Coats

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REEL: U.S. and Hellenic Army conduct joint air assault exercise in Greece during Immediate Response 25

U.S. Army Europe and Africa

June 9, 2025 | 0:31

U.S. and Hellenic Army soldiers execute a multinational air assault mission, disembarking a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, securing a landing zone, and assaulting the simulated enemy objective during exercise Immediate Response near Petrochori, Greece, June 4, 2025. Soldiers with Alpha Company, 1-102nd Infantry Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Connecticut Army National Guard, refined their ability to deploy with and operate alongside allied forces in contested environments. U.S. Army video footage captured by Sgt. Theodosius Santalov. Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment and leverages host nation capabilities to increase the U.S. Army’s operational reach. During three large-scale combat training exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—Ally and partner forces integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, demonstrating combined command and control structures and readiness to respond to crisis and conflict. (U.S. Army video edited by Sgt. Chandler Coats)