It will be NATO's largest air deployment exercise since its inception more than 70 years ago.
And it will also take place in Bavaria.
Lechfeld – In 2023, Germany will be the scene of NATO's largest air-layout exercise since it was founded in 1949. In addition to two northern German locations, the Free State of Bavaria will also be involved.
In addition, measures were announced to avoid overburdening citizens.
Overview: Where NATO soldiers are defending Europe's eastern flank.
NATO exercise in Bavaria: US soldiers stationed, air warfare operations are practiced
From June 12th to 23rd, the NATO exercise "Air Defender 2023" will take place in Germany.
This is a multinational exercise involving numerous soldiers and aircraft.
According to an Air Force spokesman, it will be the “largest air force deployment exercise since NATO was founded.”
Nationwide, three locations will be part of the exercise.
Two of them are in Northern Germany (Wunstorf Air Base near Hanover and Hohn Airport).
The third location is in Bavaria - it is Lechfeld near Graben south of Augsburg.
In addition, some neighboring European countries are taking part in the exercise with their units from their home airports.
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Extensive air warfare operations in Bavaria: NATO soldiers train
The Air Force spokesman also announced that "a total of around 100 aircraft, mainly from the US Air National Guard, will be relocated from the USA to Germany for this exercise".
Six US aircraft and 100 US soldiers are to be temporarily stationed in Bavaria.
In order to reduce the burden on the population, the machines should not start at night and on weekends during this period.
According to the Air Force, this is a “purely defensive exercise that has been planned and prepared since 2021”.
It is also said that the operation was not expanded in the course of the Ukraine war.
(fhz with material from dpa)
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