820th Base Defense Group provides self-contained, mobile temporary basing infrastructure capable of rapidly establishing secure communications, airfield and landing zone assessments, and defensive emplacements in austere and hostile environments. Using concealment, hardening, time-tested air base defense tactics, and expeditionary employment of weapons systems, tactical vehicles, and small unmanned aerial systems, these teams provide a solution to enable dispersed air operations at a moment’s notice. 

The BDG frequently partners with Lead Wings to enable austere refueling and rearmament of aircraft at temporary forward positions needed for agile combat employment. Base defense squadrons have supported Lead Wings since the first certification and employment of the concept in the Pacific and Caribbean. Their capabilities were essential to safeguarding air assets and enabling them in exercises to fly further and rearm faster.