NATO will begin the largest air force deployment exercise in Europe in the alliance’s history on Monday in a display of unity toward partners and potential threats such as Russia. The German-led “Air Defender 23” will run until June 23 and include some 250 military aircraft from 25 NATO and partner countries including Japan and Sweden, which is bidding to join the alliance. – ‘Great power competition’ –The exercise will include operational and tactical-level training, primarily in Germany, but also in the Czech Republic, Estonia and Latvia. General Michael Loh, director of the US Air National Guard, said NATO’s duties were at an “inflection point”. “A great deal has changed on the strategic landscape throughout the world, especially here in Europe,” he said.

Source: Punch June 12, 2023 10:26 UTC