RAMSTEIN, Germany - For the first time, General James B. Hecker – who took command of Allied Air Command at the end of July – convened with senior leaders from Allied and Partner Air Forces during the second NATO Air Chiefs’ Symposium in 2022.
The continued and combined effort of all Allies in support of NATO’s response to Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine [...] demonstrates our commitment to meaningful Deterrence and Defence
“The NATO Air Chiefs’ Symposium is a long established tradition for open and frank discussions among Air and Space Power leaders from NATO and Partner member countries,” said General Hecker. “Under the overarching theme of ‘Building the new normal we have shared perspectives and discussed our common approach to security,” added General Hecker. “The continued and combined effort of all Allies in support of NATO’s response to Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine, integrating Air and Missile Defence assets to shield the eastern flank of the Alliance epitomizes your professional Air Forces and demonstrates our commitment to meaningful Deterrence and Defence,” he concluded.
Allies and partner Air Chief's attended NATO's Air Chief symposium. Photo by: Arnaud Chamberlin - AIRCOM
Partner nations Finland and Sweden presented their preparation to integrate their air forces with NATO when they become members of the Alliance. Photo by: Arnaud Chamberlin - AIRCOM
Chief senior enlisted leader (CSEL) Sarah Catterall hosted her own program for senior enlisted representatives from Allied and partner nations. Photo by: Arnaud Chamberlin - AIRCOM
The senior representatives from Allied Air and Space forces engaged on a comprehensive programme. They discussed Air and Space contribution to NATO’s Military Strategy, the NATO Warfighting Capstone Concept for a future military instrument of power, the Concept for Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area employing this instrument of power as well as strategic directives and plans for vigilance during peacetime and defence during crisis or conflict.
For the first time NATO Senior Mentors and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass met with 150 Air Chiefs, CSELs and supporting staff members. Partner nations Finland and Sweden presented their preparation to integrate their air forces with NATO when they become members of the Alliance. A EUROCONTROL representative offered a view of the ongoing and future collaboration of his organization and NATO Air and Space Power.
Attendees went on tours of the Allied Air Command Situation Centre and the NATO Space Centre, where they observed the work of the international staff controlling NATO's Air Policing mission around the clock and coordinating Allied Space activities.
Presentations and discussions on air-specific lessons identified from Russia’s war in Ukraine, the effects of Non-Kinetic Operations and the challenges related to Integrated Air and Missile Defence as well as Modern 5th Generation Aircraft Integration rounded off the symposium deliberations.