The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) concluded its largest-ever air force deployment exercises in Europe on June 23, in what is being regarded as a show of strength against potential threats, including Russia.
The “Air Defender 23” maneuvers, led by Germany, brought together around 250 military aircrafts from 25 NATO countries, as well as other allies, including Japan and Sweden. The latter has already sought membership in the military alliance.
Approximately 10,000 military personnel participated in the exercises, aimed at enhancing coordination and readiness to defend against drones and cruise missiles in the event of an attack within NATO territory.
“We wanted to show that these 25 different nations can act together from day one, and we succeeded,” said the head of the German Air Force, Ingo Gerhartz on NTV broadcaster.
The exercise was a “complete success” at both tactical and organizational levels, stated Gerhartz from the Jagel Air Base in northern Germany.
Out of 2,000 planned flights, approximately 1,800 were executed, said Gerhartz, who considered this level of execution a “record” for this type of exercise.
“Air Defender” was conceptualized in 2018 partly in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine four years earlier, although Gerhartz had previously insisted that these maneuvers did not “target anyone”.
On the other hand, the U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Amy Gutmann stated that the exercise would demonstrate “beyond any doubt the skill and speed of our allied force” and aimed to send a message to several countries, including Russia.
“I would be very surprised if any world leader did not take into account what this demonstrates in terms of the spirit of this alliance, meaning the strength of this alliance, and that includes Mr. Putin,” she told reporters, referring to the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.
Russia’s war against Ukraine has intensified activities of Western military alliances, created almost 75 years ago to counter the Soviet Union.
Finland and Sweden, which have long maintained an official policy of neutrality to avoid conflicts with Moscow, have sought NATO membership following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Finland joined in April, but Sweden’s request has been primarily delayed due to Turkish opposition.
