Defector is the fourth studio album by English guitarist and songwriter Steve Hackett, released in June 1980 on Charisma Records.

After touring in support of his previous album, Spectral Mornings (1979), Hackett took his band into Wessex Sound Studios to record a follow-up.

Hackett wanted to capitalise on the commercial momentum he had achieved by rehearsing new material for a follow-up with his touring band prior to recording it in a studio.

As the material was already rehearsed, Hackett noted that recording was quickly done, yet without cutting corners on the production as he had typically spent more time "getting things right" in the past.

Hackett supported the album with a sell-out UK tour[4] In addition, he performed for the first time as a solo artist in North America.