From June 6-18, air and maritime assets participated in live training events that included air defence, anti-submarine warfare, amphibious operations, maritime interdiction, and mine countermeasure operations. This training environment closely simulated real-world operations and provided essential training to operational commanders and crews.
The 51st iteration of the Baltic Operations 22 (BALTOPS 22) exercise involved 14 Allies and two Partner nations bringing in over 45 ships and more than 75 aircraft totaling 7,000 participants. Photo courtesy of US Navy.
During the maritime-focused exercise BALTOPS 22, NATO's Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) at Uedem, Germany, is responsible for planning, coordinating and controlling Allied air forces.
For several years now, Allied Air Command has entrusted NATO's northern CAOC at Uedem with planning and executing air command and control of air activities during the BALTOPS 22 exercise series.
From their routine mission in the region, the Uedem CAOC staff is familiar with the real-world specifics of the airspace above the Baltic Sea. The operations specialists execute air command and control for BALTOPS 22 in addition to their 24/7/365 mission of controlling NATO's Air Policing across the Allies north of the Alps.
For the second time in BALTOPS 22, the German Multinational Air Group Days (MAGDAYS) integrated into the exercise. The Allied and partner aircraft operating during the MAGDAYs provide a major portion of the air assets, creating mutual synergies and enabling combined and joint training.
Air integration in BALTOPS 22 significantly increases unit capabilities. The familiarization between other country's platforms strengthens the effectiveness of the mission and expands interoperability.
Participants in this multinational exercise create and sustain partnerships and practice a broad range of mission areas to strengthen the capabilities of the participating naval and air units. More importantly, this exercise strengthens their ability to operate as a cohesive joint and combined force and respond to emerging crisis.