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The largest air force exercise in NATO history – the “Air Defender 2023” maneuver – has officially begun. A spokesman for the German Air Force confirmed the start to the German press agency on Monday morning.
Until June 23, 25 countries and NATO will participate in the exercise under German leadership. According to the Bundeswehr, some 10,000 soldiers and 250 aircraft are involved.
The aim is to train how a fictional attack by an eastern attacker is repelled by the NATO allies. According to the air force, the idea for the maneuver came about in 2018, before Russia launched an offensive war in Ukraine.
No flights to Kaliningrad
The maneuver is mainly about proving that you are capable of defending yourself, the head of the German air force, Ingo Gerhartz, said on RBB information radio Monday morning. A provocation by Russia must be avoided. “We are doing everything we can to make sure it doesn’t escalate,” said the lieutenant general.
As an example, he added: “We are not taking any flights to Kaliningrad.” Kaliningrad is a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea, located between Lithuania and Poland.
However, the US ambassador to Germany, Amy Gutmann, made it clear a few days ago that the exercise should also be a signal of strength to the outside world – including to Russian President Vladimir Putin (70). “I would be very surprised if a world leader did not take note of what this (the maneuver) shows in terms of the spirit of this alliance, that is, the strength of this alliance. And so does Mr. Putin. “
The fact that Germany is leading the way in this exercise is, according to Gerhartz, partly due to its central location in Europe. On the other hand, there are also certain expectations of Germany in NATO. “We show that we take our responsibility. We show that we are taking action.”
Passengers must inform themselves in good time
Due to the NATO exercise, travelers at Zurich airport may have to be patient a little longer. Malfunctions and malfunctions can occur. But: NATO training flights take place during the week, so no restrictions are to be expected at the weekend.
“Both airlines and air traffic control in Europe are trying to minimize the impact,” said Prisca Huguenin-dit-Lenoir, spokeswoman for Swiss air traffic control organization Skyguide. Still, delays or even cancellations of flights across Europe cannot be ruled out, “especially in bad weather conditions”. She advised passengers to inform themselves in good time about any changes in flight times during this period. (SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
