Berlin, 12 June 2023 (TDI): Today marks the commencement of AirDefender23, an unprecedented exercise involving air forces from 25 nations.
Under the command of the German Air Force, this exercise will focus on conducting air operations in European airspace. The goal is to optimize and strengthen cooperation between allied air forces, with the scenario designed based on a NATO Article 5 assistance scenario.
Taking place from 12 to 23 June, this exercise aims to demonstrate transatlantic solidarity and enhance cooperation among participating countries. With a staggering 10,000 personnel and 250 aircraft, Air Defender 23 is the largest deployment exercise in NATO’s history.
The following 2️⃣5️⃣ nations are participating in #AirDefender23 from 12 to 23 June: 🇧🇪, 🇧🇬, 🇭🇷, 🇨🇿, 🇩🇰, 🇪🇪, 🇫🇮, 🇫🇷, 🇩🇪, 🇬🇷, 🇭🇺, 🇮🇹, 🇯🇵, 🇱🇻, 🇱🇹, 🇳🇱, 🇳🇴, 🇵🇱, 🇷🇴, 🇸🇮, 🇪🇸, 🇸🇪, 🇹🇷, 🇬🇧, 🇺🇸
with 1️⃣0️⃣ 0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Personnel and 2️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ aircraft!
More info👇https://t.co/InhUbft8YE pic.twitter.com/ls2Q6lckwW
— Germany at NATO (@GermanyNATO) June 12, 2023
The participating nations in Air Defender 23 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.
Germany initiated the exercise in 2018 and meticulously planned its execution in subsequent years. Now, with German leadership, the exercise has come to fruition, bringing together an impressive number of personnel and aircraft from across the participating nations.
The exercise underscores the importance of transatlantic cooperation in maintaining security and stability in the region.
Also Read: Commander Iraqi Navy calls on Air Chief
Air Defender 23 serves as a vital platform for training and enhancing the readiness of air forces. It facilitates the exchange of best practices, promotes interoperability, and strengthens the collective defense capabilities of NATO members.
Throughout the 12-day exercise, participants will engage in a range of air operations and foster closer bonds among allied nations. The exercise provides an invaluable opportunity to test procedures, refine tactics, and improve coordination in a realistic and challenging environment.
Air Defender 23 sets a new milestone in NATO’s history, demonstrating the alliance’s commitment to maintaining strong defense capabilities and upholding collective security.
The exercise showcases the enduring strength of the transatlantic partnership and the shared commitment of NATO nations to preserve peace and stability in the region.
