Master Sergeant Aleksi completed both Individual Deployment and Life Support training before advancing to the academic phase with the Aircrew Training Squadron. He has now qualified as a Weapons Controller, contributing to real-time mission operations and enhancing NATO’s situational awareness.
“It was an honour to fly with NATO AWACS,” said Master Sergeant Aleksi. “You immediately feel the scale and complexity of the mission—working with so many nations, in real time.”
His first mission took place during Exercise Ramstein Alloy 2025, a two-day NATO training event aimed at supporting Baltic Air Policing and demonstrating Allied interoperability. The exercise provided a real-world operational setting to apply his training and collaborate within a multinational air crew.
Since joining NATO in April 2023, Finland has steadily increased its contributions to the Alliance’s collective defence. Participation in the E-3A Component underscores Finland’s commitment by adding both advanced capability and highly trained personnel.
“Flying with AWACS is more than just a mission—it’s a symbol of how national expertise supports NATO’s shared goals,” said Colonel Henk Kiffen, Deputy Commander of the NATO E-3A Component. The milestone reflects the practical outcome of expanding cooperation between NATO and its newest member.
The NATO E-3A Component is the Alliance’s first multinational flying unit and includes military personnel from 17 NATO member countries. In addition, Canada, France, Finland, and Lithuania contribute personnel to this unique programme, strengthening joint air operations across the Alliance.
Source: NATO.
