NATO begins major military exercises in Europe.

The exercise, codenamed "Air Defender 23," led by Germany, will involve approximately 250 military aircraft from 25 NATO countries and partner nations including Japan and Sweden. The event will last until June 23.

Up to 10,000 members of the armed forces participated in these exercises, with NATO stating the goal to enhance coordination and readiness to defend against drones and cruise missiles in the event of an attack.

"The important message we are sending is that we can defend ourselves," said Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz of the German Air Force on public television. The first flights began at noon on Monday at the Wunstorf, Jagel and Lechfeld air bases.

He said the exercise, first held in 2018, would not be “targeted at any particular country,” adding, “We are a defense alliance, and that’s how this exercise is planned.”

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Wunstorf in northern Germany on Saturday to protest the military exercises, under banners reading "Maintain peace - no war." The protesters called for a "diplomatic solution" to the war in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire.

U.S. Ambassador to Germany Amy Gutmann said the exercise would demonstrate "the flexibility and mobility of our allied forces… By synchronizing with each other, we will strengthen the alliance."

The "Air Defender 23" exercise will include combat and tactical operations, primarily in Germany, but also in the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Latvia, with a total of approximately 2,000 flights.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit pilots at Jagel Air Base in northern Germany on Friday. General Michael Loh, Director of the U.S. Air Force National Guard, said NATO is at a "turning point," adding: “There are many changes in the strategic landscape around the world , especially in Europe.”

Loh added that the exercise would focus on "reinforcing the long-term U.S. presence in Europe" as well as providing training "on a larger scale than is typically done on the continent."

When asked about the possibility of disruptions to civilian air transport during the exercise, General Gerhartz said the command would do "everything in its power" to limit delayed or canceled flights.

German authorities and industries have warned that flight schedules could be affected, particularly in major hubs like Frankfurt and Berlin due to their proximity to the exercise areas.

Huy Hoang (according to AFP, DW)

Source