On Monday, June 12, the Air Defender 23 (Air Defender 23 in Spanish) air exercises began, which are considered to be the largest in NATO’s history. These drills are under the command of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and will take place until June 23 in European airspace. Participation will include up to 10,000 troops from 25 countries and 250 aircraft, with the stated aim of demonstrating transatlantic solidarity.
According to the Bundeswehr, the German Armed Forces, these exercises were planned in advance and are expected to involve NATO member countries as well as Finland and Sweden. While Finland already joined the Atlantic Alliance last April, Sweden is still awaiting its application due to objections raised by Turkey, which is asking for certain conditions to be met.
Among the aircraft that will participate are the F-35 multi-role fighters of the US and Dutch Air Forces, as well as US B-1 Lancer strategic bombers. The NATO air fleet will be represented by other fighters such as the F-15, F-16, and F-18, the JAS 39 Gripen, the A-10 attack aircraft, transport aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules, the C-17, or the Airbus A400M, KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft, and the MQ-9 Reaper heavy drones, among others.
Most of the simulations will be conducted in three designated air zones in Germany, ranging in altitude from 2,500 to 15,000 meters or more. However, two air bases in the Czech Republic and the Netherlands will also be used.
The Bundeswehr has said it will strive to minimize the impact of the exercises on the public and avoid harming civilian air traffic, assuring that no flight cancellations are expected, only delays in a worst-case scenario.
US Ambassador to Germany Amy Gutmann stated that while the training has a defensive focus, it is intended to send a message to countries such as Russia. She also expressed her hope that such large-scale military exercises will not be the last and that world leaders will take note of the spirit of this alliance, including Mr. Vladimir Putin.