More than 250 aircraft and 10,000 personnel from 25 NATO countries, and partner countries including Japan and Sweden, began a two-week military exercise on June 12 in what is being called the largest deployment of aircraft in the alliance’s history.
The ‘Air Defender 2023’ exercise serves as a demonstration of NATO’s strength and the unity of the transatlantic alliance, according to Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz, Chief of the German Air Force. He emphasized that NATO is a defensive alliance prepared to protect its territory in the event of an attack, and the exercise aims to showcase this readiness.
“We are a defensive alliance, and in the event of an attack, we are prepared to defend NATO territory, and we simply have to demonstrate this,” said Lt. Gen. Gerhartz while speaking to RBB.
Lt. Gen. Gerhartz clarified that the exercise is unrelated to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, as it was initially proposed by Germany in 2018 and planned over subsequent years. Instead, the exercise highlights Germany’s commitment to taking on greater responsibilities for Europe’s security.
Largest air deployment in NATO’s history
Hosted and led by Germany, it will help ensure NATO air forces are trained and ready to respond together. Most of the aircraft will be stationed on several German air bases. Training missions will primarily take place over the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and Southern Germany.
During ‘Air Defender 2023’, air forces from 25 countries will engage in joint operations, responding to a simulated attack on a NATO nation.
‘Air Defender 2023’ has been meticulously planned for several years and will continue until June 23. The majority of participating aircraft will be stationed at various German air bases, with training missions taking place over the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Southern Germany.
The drills are aimed at boosting interoperability and preparedness to protect against aircraft, drones, and missile attacks on cities and critical infrastructure. Other training events will include supporting ground troops and evacuation missions.
Key facts
- 25 nations with 250 aircraft
- 10,000 servicemen and women are taking part in the exercise.
- 23 types of 250 aircraft involved
- 100 aircraft alone come from 42 United States federal states
Aircraft at Air Defender 23
The exercise involves a total of 250 military aircraft, including 100 American aircraft such as F-35s and F-16 fighter jets. The German Air Force will contribute 90 aircraft, including A400M tankers, Eurofighter jets, and Tornado fighters.
Other aircraft include F-15, F-18, EA-18, A-10, Gripen, F/A-18, Eurofighter Typhoon, DA20 Falcon, C-13, C-17, C-27, KC-135, KC-46 and AWACS.
