Air Defender 2023: German Defence Minister Pistorius sees a strong signal

On the Distinguished Visitors Day of the German-led multinational Air Defender 23 exercise on 20 June, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius welcomed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the 51 Tactical Air Wing “Immelmann” airbase in Jagel/Schleswig.

In the presence of the air chiefs from 20 participating nations, representatives of partner nations, and parliamentarians of the Defence and Budget Committees of the German Bundestag, the airfield in the north of Germany provided an impressive backdrop. Numerous representatives from the press, radio and television attended the event. The guests received a detailed briefing on the exercise scenario and could witness both preparation and conduct of an air combat mission at close quarters. Within the scope of a weapons demonstration, the parliamentarians and the air chiefs had the opportunity to engage in conversations with the soldiers and have a closer look at all types of aircraft stationed at the Jagel garrison during the exercise. American F-16 and German Tornado multirole combat aircraft taking off in the background accentuated the visit and illustrated the power of the Transatlantic Alliance in an impressive manner.

Together, responsive, and powerful

In a first conclusion, Defence Minister Pistorius emphasised the importance of the exercise: “All participants gain personal experience, new knowledge and capabilities in this exercise. And the certainty of what we can achieve together when we train and go about it together.” He referred to the statement made recently by Secretary General Stoltenberg, who had emphasised that Air Defender 23 showed that any NATO territory would be defended. During the last days, the participants in the exercise proved that they can keep this promise with no strings attached: together, responsive, and powerful.

As lead nation, Germany took the initiative and with the Chief of the German Air Force, Ingo Gerhartz, it created a broad partnership that contributed to the great success of this exercise. Minister Pistorius expressly thanked all servicemen and women involved, and highlighted the importance of the member states of the Alliance and the partners: “It is the confidence of our partners and the participants they sent that makes Air Defender 23 what it is – a strong signal of solidarity, determination, operational readiness, and close transatlantic ties.” right of self-defence

Air defence and air forces become more important

NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg also emphasised the strong ties between Europe and North America: “Within NATO, we are working together.” In the light of Russia’s brutal and random attacks on Ukrainian cities, Stoltenberg underlined the importance of air defence for the security of the population. He made clear that NATO would be no party to the conflict, but would support Ukraine in its right of self-defence. With Germany acting as lead nation of the Air Defender 23 exercise, Stoltenberg considers this a strong evidence of Germany’s commitment and effectiveness.

The main objective of the largest air deployment exercise since the foundation of NATO is to practice air operations with allied air forces and partners. Tactical, operational, and technical cooperation as well as the coordination between the member states of the Alliance and the partners are intensified and consolidated. Optimising and expanding both cooperation and interoperability among the participating nations become the focus of the action. The exercise scenario is modelled on an Article‑5 assistance scenario of NATO.

The Air Defender 23 exercise sends out a clear signal and demonstrates that warfighting-capable, robust and powerful air forces are an important element of credible deterrence. Close cooperation and combined training consolidate the Transatlantic Alliance and ensure the security of NATO territory.

by Thomas  Skiba