NATO Commences Unprecedented Air Drill as a Show of Strength

NATO has launched its largest-ever air force deployment exercise in Europe, known as “Air Defender 23,” in a demonstration of unity among alliance members and to address potential threats, including Russia.

Running from Monday until June 23, the exercise is being led by Germany and involves the participation of approximately 250 military aircraft from 25 NATO and partner countries. Notably, Japan and Sweden, which is seeking NATO membership, are among the participating nations.

With up to 10,000 personnel involved, the drills aim to enhance interoperability and preparedness to counteract threats posed by drones and cruise missiles in the event of an attack on cities, airports, or sea ports within NATO territory.

Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz of the German Luftwaffe, presenting the exercise’s plans, emphasized that “Air Defender” was initially conceived in 2018 as a response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, but clarified that it was not directed at any specific country.

Gerhartz stated that while NATO remains committed to defending every inch of its territory, the exercise will not involve flights toward Kaliningrad, the Russian enclave situated near NATO members Poland and Lithuania. He emphasized that the exercise is purely defensive in nature.

US Ambassador to Germany, Amy Gutmann, expressed confidence that the drill would underscore the agility and swiftness of the allied force, leaving no doubt about its strength. She noted that the exercise sends a message to countries like Russia, and she suggested that world leaders, including President Vladimir Putin, would be taking note.

By coordinating their efforts, the participating nations aim to enhance their collective power. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has spurred the Western military alliance, established nearly 75 years ago to counter the Soviet Union.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Finland and Sweden, which had maintained an official neutrality to avoid conflict with Moscow, both expressed their desire to join NATO. Under NATO’s Article Five, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

The exercise will primarily take place in Germany, with additional training activities scheduled in the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Latvia. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to visit pilots based at the Schleswig-Jagel airfield in northern Germany on Friday.

General Michael Loh, director of the US Air National Guard, noted that NATO’s responsibilities are at an inflection point due to significant changes in the global strategic landscape, particularly in Europe.

He emphasized that the exercise aims to supplement the permanent presence of the United States in Europe and provide training on a larger scale than what has been typically accomplished on the continent. Loh added that many alliance pilots will be working together for the first time, fostering both existing and new relationships among the younger generation of airmen.

Regarding potential disruption to civilian air transport during the exercise, Gerhartz assured that the planners would make every effort to limit flight delays or cancellations. German authorities had previously issued warnings about potential impacts on flight schedules due to the drills.

While there are no immediate plans to make “Air Defender” a recurring exercise, Ambassador Gutmann emphasized that there is a strong desire for such drills to continue beyond this iteration.