NATO Wraps Up Air Defender 2023, Its Largest Ever Air Exercise

Twenty-five nations took part in the two-week long “Air Defender 2023” exercise.

Allied air forces began the largest deployment exercise in NATO’s history on Monday, Jun. 12, 2023. Around 10,000 personnel and over 220 aircraft from 25 nations took part in the two-week drills hosted and led by Germany in central Europe. “Air Defender sends a clear message that NATO is ready to defend every inch of Allied territory”, said NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu, adding, “Air Defender is necessary because we live in a more dangerous world. As we face the biggest security crisis in a generation, we stand united to keep our countries and our people safe. With 250 aircraft, including around 100 from the United States, Air Defender also demonstrates the strong bond between Europe and North America, working together in NATO.”

One of the 107 FS/MI ANG A-10s deployed to Jagel AB.

Exercise Air Defender 2023 has been planned for over five years. The drills helped to ensure NATO air forces are trained and ready to respond together.

Most of the aircraft were stationed on several German air bases. Training missions primarily took take place over the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and Southern Germany. The drills were aimed at boosting interoperability and preparedness to protect against aircraft, drones and missiles attacks on cities and critical infrastructure. Other training events included supporting ground troops and evacuation missions. Air Defender ran until Jun. 23, 2023.