The deterrence-focused event was led by Combined Air Operations Centre Bodø, which served as the key command-and-control node monitoring the airspace. NATO said the training demonstrated Alliance resolve and unity across the airspace over the Eastern Flank.
The event focused on complex counter-A2AD operations, tactical command and control, and rapid information sharing. The Find, Fix, Track and Target training demonstrated NATO’s agile and adaptive posture.
NATO said the activity also reflected the ongoing transition from Air Policing to Air Defence. That shift is intended to provide more flexible coordination of forces and maintain constant situational awareness to protect allied territory against airborne threats.
The training took place in a multi-domain environment covering air, maritime, land and space. It also integrated simulated long-range land and maritime fires synchronised with air-domain assets.
Romanian F-16 fighter jets operated alongside French Rafale and Mirage 2000D aircraft during the integrated air operations. The participating assets included detachments currently deployed to the Baltic region in support of NATO Air Policing missions.
The aircraft focused on aligning tactics, techniques and procedures under challenging operational conditions. French A330 MRTT tanker aircraft provided aerial refuelling throughout the mission to sustain the live-flying activity.
“This type of mission reflects the kind of high-end training we conduct during the Tactical Leadership Programme. Working alongside Allied nations in a realistic scenario strengthens our interoperability and demonstrates that NATO air forces operate as a credible and fully integrated joint force,” said French Captain “Lucas”.
“As the mission commander, coordinating the different military effects across all domains was particularly challenging,” he added.
Operational support and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance expertise were provided by a NATO RQ-4D Global Hawk from the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force. NATO said the activity showed the Alliance’s continuous approach to safeguarding its airspace.
The Alliance said such routine assurance activities lift the “train as you fight” methodology to a higher level of combat readiness. NATO said they continue to test and demonstrate its ability to operate cohesively and decisively.
The integrated multi-domain effort underlined NATO’s vigilance along the Eastern Flank. NATO said the activity showed that the Alliance maintains a strong and credible defensive posture along its eastern flank.
