The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will conduct its largest air exercise in history from June 12–23, with the participation of 22 member countries, including the United States and Germany. The so-called Air Defender ’23 will be led by the German Air Force and focus on operational and tactical training. The US Air National Guard reported that there will be at least 220 aircraft in the exercise, of which 100 will be from US forces. The primary objective will be collective defense, focusing on Germany’s ability to command and control a multinational air force that will fly over northern, eastern, and southern German airspace.
Michael Loh, director of the Air National Guard, mentioned that strategic and tactical interoperability with allies and partners are key elements for credible deterrence, and the demonstration of a combat-ready air force is assertive and effective. According to Loh, participation in Air Defender ’23 is a demonstration of continued commitment to collective security and dedication to lasting peace and stability in the region.
For his part, Ingo Gerhartz, head of the German Air Force, emphasized that NATO is a purely defensive alliance, but if someone attacks one member country, they attack us all. NATO has conducted several military exercises in the past, but this will be the largest in terms of participation and the number of aircraft involved. The exercise will take place in German airspace and is considered a showcase of the alliance’s ability to protect and defend its members.