EARLIER this week, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commenced the Air Defender 23 exercise, featuring the alliance’s largest-ever deployment of air forces. From the 12th of June to the 23rd, under the leadership of the German Air Force, approximately 10,000 participants from 25 nations are engaging in intensive training in European airspace.
Air Defender 23 aims to enhance cooperation among participating nations, strengthen joint response capabilities, and optimize preparedness in crisis situations as outlined in NATO’s Article 5. Germany is playing a key role as the exercise’s logistical hub.
Contributing nations include Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The exercise is primarily conducted from six main sites in Germany, with designated time slots during the day to maintain efficient training schedules. No training flights are scheduled for nighttime or weekends.
Air Defender 23 involves 250 aircraft of 23 different types, including 100 aircraft deployed from 42 U.S. states. Flight altitudes range from 2,500 to 15,000 meters and higher, with low-level flights and refueling activities carefully coordinated.
All stakeholders, including the German Air Force, German Air Traffic Control, Eurocontrol, airlines, and airport operators, are diligently working to minimize disruptions to civil aviation. While some delays may occur, flight cancellations are not expected.
Air Defender 23 underscores NATO’s commitment to collective defense and reinforces cooperation among member and partner nations. This historic exercise aims to enhance the readiness and interoperability of allied air forces, ensuring effective responses to evolving security challenges.
