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RAMSTEIN, Germany - For the first time, the French Air and Space Force will the 2021 iteration of exercise Atlantic Trident from May 17 to 28 at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, 100 kms south of Bordeaux.  

The exercise aims to enhance fourth and fifth generation integration, combat readiness, and fighting capabilities among the French Air and Space Force, the United States Air Force and the Royal Air Force. Participants will test and improve shared technical and tactical knowledge, while conducting complex air operations in a contested multinational joint forces environment. Scheduled training will involve a combination of flight operations and computer-assisted scenarios. 

Exercise Atlantic Trident is a demonstration of the transatlantic link in NATO and another example of three Allies operating cutting-edge technology to protect European skies. The findings of the integration of modern generation aircraft into existing Air Power capabilities during Atlantic Trident will also inform NATO concepts as other Allies start operating and integrating new aircraft such as the F-35 fighter or the A400M transport and the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft.

Pictures of aircraft participating in Atlantic Trident (clockwise): French Air and Space Force Rafael, United States Air Force F-35 fighters, Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters and the "Vespina" - Royal Air Force A330 Voyager aircraft - seen refuelling a Typhoon. Photo by French Air and Space Force (2) and Crown Copyright (2).

The exercise Atlantic Trident is integrated into the Trilateral Strategic Initiative the air forces of the United States, the United Kingdom and France established in 2010. The United States Air Force hosted the first two exercises at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, in 2015 and 2017.