NATO’s biggest ever air exercise kicks off on Monday

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) begins, Monday, June 12, its most important exercise of air maneuvers, coordinated by Germany and intended to show the unity of its members in the face of potential threats, from Russia notably. The “Air Defender 23” exercise will run until June 23 and will bring together some 250 military aircraft from 25 NATO member and partner countries, including Japan and Sweden, a candidate country for NATO membership. .

Up to 10,000 people will take part in these exercises designed to strengthen interoperability and protection against drones and cruise missiles in the event of an attack on cities, airports or ports located on NATO territory. The exercise will include operational and tactical training, primarily in Germany, but also in the Czech Republic, Estonia and Latvia.

A message to Russia

“Air Defender 23” was designed in 2018, partly in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea, although it was not specifically aimed “person”explained General Ingo Gerhartz, head of the German Air Force, during the presentation of the exercise. “We are a defensive alliance and that is how this exercise is planned”, he insisted. But these maneuvers will also aim to send a message, in particular to Russia, explained to the press the ambassador of the United States in Germany, Amy Gutmann.