The biggest NATO air defence exercise gets under way today. Led by Germany, it aims to show the unity of NATO members in the face of potential threats, especially Russia, France Presse news agency reports.
Air Defender 23 is taking place until 23rd June and brings together around 250 military aircraft from 25 different NATO member and partner states, including Japan and Sweden, the latter a NATO candidate country. Up to 10,000 persons are taking part in this exercise meant to consolidate interoperability and protection against drones and cruise missiles in the event of an attack on cities, airports and ports on NATO territories.
The exercise was designed in 2018, partly in response to Russia’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014, although it does not specifically target anyone, said Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, Chief German Air Force. The manoeuvres include operational and tactical preparation, mainly in Germany, as well as the Czech Republic, Estonia and Latvia.
Radio Romania International
