Air force units from fourteen NATO countries are in Scandinavia, not far from the Russian border, engaged in one of the largest aeronautical exercises ever. The Arctic Challenge Exercise 23 is organized by Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway. The Netherlands is present with F-16 and F-35 fighters. As far as is known, there are no Ukrainian pilots. “I haven’t seen them,” says Lieutenant Colonel Niels van Hussen.
120 aircraft and 2,700 soldiers are participating in the exercise. The war in Ukraine underscores the importance of exercise, says Van Hussen. He is commander of 313 Squadron and is in charge of the Dutch detachment during this exercise. “The intention is for countries to get to know each other in a realistic scenario to improve international cooperation.”
Border with Russia
The practices are taking place in various locations in Scandinavia, not far from the Russian border. ‘Whether they like it or not, I don’t know. But they will definitely look at what we are doing here. And maybe they are even impressed by it,’ says Van Hussen, referring to Russian President Putin and his army command. will surprise Moscow. The Arctic Challenge exercise has been organized since 2007 and is announced well in advance. “Now there’s just more attention for it.”
Last week, Armed Forces Commander Onno Eichelsheim said in Op1 that the Netherlands and Denmark will start training Ukrainian pilots to fly an F16 in the summer. This is separate from this exercise, Van Hussen says. “We are really concentrated here to prepare our people, ready to protect us and our allies.” The Dutch Air Force is present with F-16 and F-35 fighters. “I haven’t seen any Ukrainians.”
According to Van Hussen, the exercise has already been successful. “Especially when you look at the logistics of getting twelve F-35s here on time, maintaining them and still being able to fly missions every day.”
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
