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
Arctic Warrior
27th Public Affairs Detachment
Feb. 24, 2025 | 0:15
Staff Sgt. Jacob Wassermann, a section leader, 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, embraces arctic warfighting while holding the RK 62, a Finnish assault rifle in the Sodankylä Training Area, Finland during Arctic Forge 25, 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- Feb. 28. U.S. troops have the skills to survive and fight in these austere conditions. Arctic Forge 25 is an opportunity to hone these skills further and gain valuable knowledge from Arctic Allies. (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.