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Ramstein, Germany – General Harrigian visited the deployed NATO air surveillance and control operators in Larissa Air Base, Greece during their ongoing exercise Ramstein Dust 21 on 20 April.

Exercise Ramstein Dust involves military and civilian personnel with the aim to train, sustain, and support the DARS*, NATO's deployable air surveillance and control unit. During the ten-day execution phase the DARS will integrate with Hellenic Air Force air surveillance and control systems and control Hellenic fighter training activities. The goal is to operate core tactical functions within allocated areas to train crisis and conflict procedures of NATO operations.

Showcasing the ability to rapidly deploy in support of NATO air operations and seamlessly integrate into the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System

 “General Harrigian’s visit today highlights the importance of this exercise in showcasing the ability to rapidly deploy in support of NATO air operations and seamlessly integrate into the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System,” said Major General Gabellini, Commander of the Deployable Air Command and Control Centre. “Additionally it was an opportunity to appreciate the outstanding support our personnel received from their Greek hosts, without which the outcome of the exercise would not have been so successful,” he added.

Hellenic Air Force F-16s ready to be tasked by the DARS during training serials. Photo courtesy of Hellenic Air Force

The deployed Ground-Air-Ground radar coverage feeds a partial Recognised Air Picture into the DARS, which in turn provides consolidated input to the NATO Air Surveillance and Control network via the Hellenic Control and Reporting Centre. This enhances the coverage over an operational area giving commander’s enhanced situational awareness, vital for decision making in a rapidly evolving crisis situation. 

DACC Commander Major General Claudio Gabellini touring the deployed site at Larissa Air Base, Greece. Photo courtesy of Hellenic Air Force

The Deployable Air Command and Control Centre provides NATO commanders with a unique force projection capability with elements that are able to be transported worldwide for combat, contingency or peacetime missions.