NATO has launched the largest air military maneuver in history. And thousands of flights are being affected

Since its creation after World War II, NATO had never deployed its military air power like now. For two weeks, from June 12 to 23, the operation is taking place Air Defender 23. Unprecedented military maneuvers that have been in preparation for four years, but which with the irruption of Russia in Ukraine have acquired a much more relevant nuance.

More than 10,000 soldiers and 250 fighters. The numbers for this maneuver show the range well. 25 different countries participate, contributing 10,000 soldiers and where it will be practiced with 250 aircraft.

The operation takes place in European airspace and will be coordinated by the German Air Force. Due to its scope, the affected space is enormous, but it mainly focuses on three areas: from the Baltic Sea to East Germany; from Bavaria to the Rhineland and from Lower Saxony to the North Sea and Dutch airspace. Although, operations are also expected in the Czech Republic, Latvia and Estonia.

A “defensive” show of force. “We are a defensive alliance and this is how this exercise was planned, it is not directed against anyone,” explains Ingo GerhartzLieutenant General of the German Luftwaffe.

Air Defender 23 began planning in 2018 and it has not been until now when it has been launched. 25 of the 30 NATO countries are participating, including a hundred American F-35s, a transport aircraft from the Japanese Air Force (guest country) and dozens of European Eurofighters, including three models provided by the Air Force and Space from Spain.

Testing dozens of combat fighters. Among the combat fighters that participate we find F-35 Lightning II, F-15, F-16 Falcon, A-10, PA-200 Tornado, MQ-9 drones, C-130, A-18C, B1 bombers, KC- 135, C-17 or K-46. More than 40 different models of combat aircraft that will fly over the European sky between 2,500 and 15,000 meters high.

According to those responsible explain, these aircraft will participate in combat maneuvers. Simulated enemy planes, codenamed Red Air, will be included, and ‘Blue’ allied planes will have to train as if they were fighting a potential enemy.

The main objective is to test the ability of the NATO Air Forces, not only in combat, but also the ability to react and act on a large scale. Among other aspects, the ability to protect the population from medium-range missiles will also be measured.

Attempts have been made to mitigate the impact. As explained by the German Air Force, an attempt has been made to keep the impact of the Air Defender 23 on the population as low as possible. For this reason, of the three zones, “they are only used for military purposes in staggered hours and never simultaneously for up to four hours a day.”

They hope that these maneuvers will not cause cancellations, although they do recognize that there will be many delays. However, they recommend consulting the specific effects with each airline.

Thousands of flights affected for two weeks. It’s only been a couple of days, but the impact of this unprecedented deployment is already taking its toll on European airspace.

Thousands of commercial flights in Europe are being affected by having to adapt their routes. According to explains Javier Gandarapresident of the Association of Airlines, more than 5,000 flights will be affected.

Image | Bundeswehr

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