NATO prepares for the largest airlift exercise in history

More than 10,000 airmen and more than 250 fighter jets are planned to take part in NATO’s Air Defender 2023 exercise from June 12-23.

For the exercise, approximately 110 US Air Force aircraft will arrive in Europe from across the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, 80 aircraft from NATO countries in Europe and 60 aircraft from international partners are expected to participate in the exercise. It is stated that there will be an average of 250 departures per day during the exercise.

In addition, airmen from 25 countries with more than 20 types of aircraft will participate in the exercise. These include such aircraft types as F-35, Eurofighter, F-18, F-16, A-10, Gripen.

The aim of the exercise, organized by the German Air Force, is to keep the alliance’s air defense strong, send a message that strong deterrence is maintained in the air and consolidate harmony on both sides of the Atlantic.

CIVILIAN FLIGHTS WILL BE AFFECTED

In the Eastern European part of the exercise, NATO AWACS airborne early warning and warning aircraft will perform tasks, as well as mission flights by aircraft from allied countries in this region. AWACS aircraft will also perform daily flights over the alliance’s eastern flank. Almost all German Air Force airbases throughout Germany will be in use during the exercise.

Due to the mid-June exercise, special zone airspaces were determined in the south, north and east of Germany. Military flights over Germany, one of the busiest regions in Europe in terms of civilian flights, are expected to affect some of the civilian flights.

It is claimed that the route of many civil flights over European airspace will change due to the exercise. (AA)