NATO has launched its largest-ever air force deployment exercise, known as "Air Defender 23," as a show of unity among its members and partners in response to escalating tensions with Russia following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Led by the German Air Force, the exercise involves approximately 250 military aircraft from 25 NATO and partner countries, including Japan and NATO applicant Sweden.
With up to 10,000 service members participating, the drills aim to enhance the interoperability and readiness of NATO air forces in crisis situations, particularly in defending against drones and cruise missiles in the event of an attack within NATO territory.
Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz of the German Luftwaffe emphasized that the exercise's significant message is that NATO can defend itself.
Although conceived partly in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea, Gerhartz stated that the exercise is not specifically targeted at anyone and will not involve flights towards Kaliningrad, the Russian enclave bordering NATO member states Poland and Lithuania. He reaffirmed NATO's defensive nature and intent.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has spurred NATO into action, reinvigorating the Western military alliance established nearly 75 years ago to counter threats from the Soviet Union.
Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the critical role of NATO's air forces in securing the population and responding to attacks, stating that the exercise aims to demonstrate NATO and the German Air Force's readiness to defend themselves against anyone, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, who threatens freedom and security.
Out of the 250 participating aircraft, 100 have been deployed to Europe from 42 U.S. states, according to the German Air Force.
General Michael Loh, director of the U.S. Air National Guard, highlighted the changing strategic landscape, particularly in Europe, and emphasized the exercise's role in augmenting the permanent U.S. presence in Europe and providing larger-scale training than usual.
NATO officials also reported that alliance fighter jets were scrambled multiple times last week to intercept unidentified Russian military aircraft over the Baltic Sea, further underscoring the heightened tensions in the region.
