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. Katherine Jacobus
Illinois Army National Guard units return home after successful deployment for Operation Spartan Shield
182nd Airlift Wing
April 12, 2025 | 6:05
B-roll package of a welcome home ceremony April 12, 2025, in Peoria, Illinois, for Illinois National Guard soldiers, including an interview with the family of U.S. Army Sgt. Luke Purcell, a combat engineer with Company B, 766th Brigade Engineer Battalion, Illinois Army National Guard. The 1-178th Infantry Regiment and Company B, 766th Brigade Engineer Battalion deployed in June 2024 for Operation Spartan Shield to strengthen defense relationships and build partner capacity in Southwest Asia. (U.S. National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Katherine Jacobus and Barb Wilson)
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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.