NATO pilot's training exercises aimed at intercepting potential Russian aircraft in Alliance airspace were conducted, Euronews reports. The intensified simulations and drills come as NATO forces seek to enhance their capabilities in response to escalating tensions since the war in Ukraine began.
The training missions involve regular exercises designed to improve the effectiveness of NATO pilots. In one such simulated scenario, an aircraft took off from the Netherlands and flew towards Lithuania, acting as a target for the training exercise. Czech fighter jets intercepted the aircraft multiple times during the flight, showcasing the training and readiness of the NATO pilots.
The participating fighter jets, including F16, F18, and Eurofighter Typhoon, belong to various NATO Air Forces member states and are responsible for Air Policing missions to safeguard the Alliance airspace. As Russian jets pose an increasing threat to NATO airspace, these pilots undergo round-the-clock training to ensure their preparedness.
Last year, NATO pilots in Romania conducted approximately 160 real interceptions, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year. The escalating tensions in the South, particularly in Ukraine and the Black Sea region, have made it more challenging for NATO countries in that area to manage the situation. Commander Harold van Pee, from the NATO Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem, explained that the conflict has complicated matters, especially for the southern NATO countries.
On a daily basis, around 30 NATO planes patrol the airspace of member states, with some specifically assigned to Air Policing missions in Baltic countries that lack their own fighter jets. Since March, a Romanian military detachment, operating four F16 aircraft, has been deployed at a military base in Lithuania. This marks their first foreign mission, showcasing the commitment of NATO forces to protect the airspace of their allies. The pilots conduct exercises almost daily to remain prepared for potential real alerts.
During the training exercise, the Airbus serving as the target aircraft was intercepted by Romanian pilots as it left Lithuania and traveled through the airspace of Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Great Britain. Simulated interceptions took place in each country, further emphasizing the collaborative efforts of NATO member states.
In addition, the training involved mid-flight refueling of several fighter jets by a multi-role tanker transporter operated by the Multinational Multirole Unit. This unit, consisting of six NATO countries and reporting to the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, can execute missions internationally. It is expected to be fully operational within the next two years and may be deployed on long-haul missions in other countries.
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