In diplomatic matters, President Teddy Roosevelt used to say, “Speak softly, but carry a big stick.” Well, the world is about to see just how big a stick NATO’s combined air forces really are.
Germany is preparing to host the largest ever air deployment exercise in NATO and European history. Air Defender 23 runs from June 12-23. The show of force will feature 10,000 participants and 250 aircraft from 25 nations.
The United States alone is sending 2,000 members of the Air National Guard and about 100 aircraft. The exercise is meant to simulate NATO’s response in the event a member country is attacked.
Speaking to reporters at a June 7 press conference in Germany, Amy Gutmann, the U.S. ambassador to Germany, said it’ll be a great time for NATO’s allies and adversaries to pay attention.
“I would defy anyone not to be impressed by the unity, by the strength and by how prepared, not only we are today but by showing how prepared today we are, how clear it is that you should never ever underestimate the strength and the spirit of this alliance,” Gutmann said. “I would be pretty surprised if any world leader was not taking note of what this shows in terms of the spirit of this alliance, which means the strength of this alliance. And that includes Mr. Putin.”
Planning for the Air Defender 23 exercises started several years ago, but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine galvanized NATO countries into more earnest preparations for a possible attack on a member state. Sweden and Japan are also taking part in the maneuvers. Sweden hopes to join NATO while the U.S. and Japan are working towards a NATO-like alliance in the Pacific.
Lt. General Michael Loh, the director of the U.S. Air National Guard, said in addition to deterrence, Air Defender 23 also gives NATO warfighters additional opportunities to work together and ensure mission readiness.
The exercises also demonstrate just how valuable actual human pilots still are in modern warfare. Drones and other unmanned aircraft may be the future of air dominance, but there’s no replacing experienced pilots. It’s why the U.S. Air Force is offering $50,000 a year bonuses to keep more experienced pilots in service.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
