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. Seth Haddix
U.S. & Partners meet for exercise planning during DLE
Air Mobility Command
July 27, 2025 | 2:15
A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircrew meets with members of the Republic of Korea Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force to coordinate a deconfliction plan for operations in the same objective area at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during the U.S. Air Force’s Department-Level Exercise 2025 series, July 15, 2025. The exercise is part of a first-in-a-generation series designed to build capabilities in contested, dynamic environments. The DLE series includes all branches of the Department of Defense, along with allies and partners, and involves more than 400 joint and coalition aircraft and over 12,000 personnel operating at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Seth Haddix)
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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.