NATO’s largest air exercise begins
According to reports from the German News Agency, the exercise began with the take-off of the German Air Force’s “A400M” type transport aircraft from Wunstorf Air Base in Lower Saxony.
Subsequently, the F-18 fighter jet of the German Air Force took off from the Fliegerhorst Hohn Air Base in the state of Schleswig-Hostein. Civilian flights were not affected in the first hours of the exercise.
German Air Force commander Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz told public broadcaster ARD affiliate RBB radio that the exercise was mainly about testing NATO’s defense capability.
Noting that provocations against Russia will be avoided and that they will do everything possible so that the exercise does not appear to escalate tension, Gerhartz shared the information that there were no flights to Kaliningrad, which belongs to Russia but has no land connection with it. country, between Poland and Lithuania, which has a coastline on the Baltic Sea.
In the statement from Berlin-Bradnenburg Airport officials, it was stated that so far it was a normal day for air traffic and the exercise did not have a significant effect on passengers, but it was reported that it is not yet known how. there will be a lot of delay during the day due to exercise.
In the statement from Frankfurt airport officials, it was noted that the exercise had no noticeable effect on passengers before noon and that traffic was normal.
Lt. Gen. Gerhartz stated that he did not expect further restrictions on civilian air traffic due to the exercise.
ALL BASES WILL BE USED
250 warplanes and approximately 10,000 troops from 25 countries, including Turkey, are taking part in the exercise, which will last until June 23.
All German Air Force bases across the country will be in use throughout the exercise.
Due to the mid-June exercise, special airspaces were determined in the south, north and east of Germany. It is claimed that many civil flights over European airspace will also be re-routed.
250 CLASSIFICATIONS WILL BE CARRIED OUT
It is planned that 80 aircraft from NATO countries in Europe and 60 aircraft from international partners will take part in the exercise. It is stated that there will be an average of 250 departures per day during the exercise.
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 strengthen harmony on both sides of the Atlantic. (AA)