Home  /  Newsroom  /  2022  /  Allied heavy air lifters move land forces to NATO’s Eastern Flank

RAMSTEIN, Germany – Strategic and tactical air transport aircraft including C-17s, C-5s, A330 MRTTs and C-130s from multiple nations have been busy moving units from the NATO Response Force along with national contributions to locations across NATO's Eastern Flank.

In a combined effort, Allied air transport aircraft working alongside charter aircraft have been moving Allied troops from across the Euro-Atlantic area towards their new locations in Eastern Europe. This augments NATO's presence in the region enhancing the speed, responsiveness and flexibility of the Alliance's defence.

Allied Air transport aircraft are key in enabling the rapid movement of troops and supplies, allowing NATO to position its forces effectively during the evolving crisis

"Allied Air transport aircraft are key in enabling the rapid movement of troops and supplies, allowing NATO to position its forces effectively during the evolving crisis," said Lieutenant General Pascal Delerce, Deputy Commander, Allied Air Command. "These movements underscore the Alliance's cohesion and readiness to ensure the security of all member States," he added.

French C-130 transport aircraft and civilian charter aircraft move French troops from Istres, France to Romania, Photo courtesy of French Air Force  . 

USAF C-17 moving supplies and troops to Amari Air Base, Estonia, where USAF F-35s are currently based. Photo courtesy of USAF.

Polish Air Force C-130 moving US troops from the UK to Lithuania. Photo courtesy of USAF. 

These moves contribute to around 22,000 Allied land forces which are now under NATO command and control. Many of these forces are already deployed along the eastern flank of the Alliance, including: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. Having forces in these eight nations under Supreme Allied Commander Europe's command ensures a robust and integrated shielding of NATO's eastern borders.