Home  /  Newsroom  /  2022  /  Allied forces conduct successful Integrated Air and Missile Defence exercise

RAMSTEIN, Germany – Ramstein Legacy 22, Allied Air Command's large-scale Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) exercise that took place across the Baltic Sea states and Central Europe has just successful concluded.

The IAMD exercise included Allied fighter units based across Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia while support aircraft flew from bases across the wider European theatre. At the same time Surface Based Air and Missile Defence (SBAMD) units from 17 nations set up air defence zones across the exercise areas.

Seeing 17 nations working together effectively, as one, under NATO command and control is humbling

"The ability to train fighters and SBAMD units together in one large scale integrated exercise ensures NATO's ability to protect its populations and forces from peacetime to crisis and conflict," said Lieutenant General Pascal Delerce, Deputy Commander Allied Air Command "Seeing 17 nations working together effectively, as one, under NATO command and control is humbling and a testament to the hard work of all the men and women that day after day ensure the security of Allied airspace."

Czech crew onboard SA-6 during Allied Air Commands large scale IAMD exercise.  Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin 

Lithuanian C-27, French Mirage and Finnish F-18 flying in formation during Ramstein Legacy 22. Photo Courtesy: Lithuanian Armed Forces 

Polish crew take control of a PSR-A Pilica. NATO's IAMD is prepared to address the full spectrum of threats. Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin

The exercise has provided a valuable opportunity for Allied fighter, airborne early warning and SBAMD units to practice NATO tactics, techniques and procedures as part of the NATO IAMD system. This is comprised of a network of interconnected national and NATO systems of sensors (such as radars), command and control assets, and weapons systems.

NATO's IAMD is conducted using a 360-degree approach across NATO territory, and is prepared to address the full spectrum of threats. It is a collaborative effort and a key pillar of NATO's collective defence demonstrating Allied unity and cohesion.