NATO has commenced its largest-ever aerial exercise in Europe on June 12th to demonstrate unity towards partners and potential threats, such as Russia.
The “Air Defender 23” drills, led by Germany, will involve around 250 fighter aircrafts from 25 NATO member states and partner countries, including Japan and Sweden. The exercises will last until June 23rd.
Up to 10,000 soldiers are participating in the drills, aiming to enhance cooperation and readiness to defend against drone and missile attacks within NATO territory.
“The important message we are sending is that we can defend ourselves,” said Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz.
The “Air Defender” exercises were established in 2018 as a response to Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, although Gerhartz emphasized that this is no longer the objective.
He stated that the drills “will not, for example, send any planes towards Kaliningrad”, a Russian enclave located on the border with NATO member states Poland and Lithuania.
“We are a defensive alliance, and these exercises are planned accordingly,” he said.
On Saturday, hundreds of protesters gathered in Wunstorf, Germany, to oppose the exercises. The protesters held banners with slogans such as “Practice peace, not war”. They also called for a “diplomatic solution” to Russia’s occupation of Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire.
The U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Amy Gutmann, stated that the exercises will demonstrate “without a doubt the ability and speed of our allied force” and that these drills aim to send a message to states, including Russia.
“I would be surprised if any world leader did not understand that this exercise demonstrates the spirit of the alliance, which implies the strength of this alliance, including [Russian President, Vladimir] Putin,” she said. “By synchronizing together, we multiply our strength,” she added.
Russia initiated the unprovoked occupation of Ukraine in February 2022. Following the start of the occupation, Finland and Sweden – two neutral states – requested NATO membership to avoid a conflict with Moscow. Sweden is still aiming to become the alliance’s newest member.
According to Article 5 of NATO, any attack on a member state is considered an attack on all member states.
