POGGIO RENATICO, Italy - In a show of unity and military prowess, the curtains are closing on the two-week combined NATO exercise Poggio Dart 23 (PODA23), organized by the Deployable Air Command & Control Centre (Poggio Renatico) from December 4 to 15.
Beyond simulation and live-flying, PODA23 provided a unique opportunity for military personnel to forge bonds promoting deeper understanding across different nations
While simulated activities were conducted in-garrison from Poggio Renatico during a computer-assisted exercise, participants conducted live-flying in the airspace of north-eastern Italy. At the heart of PODA23 were nearly 30 Allied aircraft that took to the skies, demonstrating cooperation and coordination of NATO forces. With an average of 35 sorties per day, the exercise not only confirmed the agility of the Alliance's air power, but also its ability to deploy rapidly and effectively.
"PODA23 brought together participants from several NATO's member nations, united by a common goal: to enhance interoperability and demonstrate a united front in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges," said Major General Denny Traas, Commander, DACCC: "The comprehensive training exercise served as a powerful proof of Alliance's commitment to cohesion and readiness, and set a remarkable standard for collaborative defence strategies,” he added.
While simulated activities were conducted in-garrison from Poggio Renatico during a computer-assisted exercise, participants conducted live-flying in the airspace of north-eastern Italy.
Photo courtesy DACCC.
Italian Eurofighters were joined by Turkish and US jets and assets of the Italian Navy and Army to conduct joint training dills in a live-fly environment.
Photo courtesy DACCC.
Allied fighter jets from Italy, Türkiye and the United States were deployed to Treviso Air Base to fly combined missions testing the adaptability and responsiveness of NATO air forces.
Photo courtesy DACCC.
United States F-16 fighter jets deployed to Istrana from the home base at Aviano to enhance flying operations and train expeditionary capabilities in an interallied setting.
Photo courtesy DACCC.
Designed to simulate a variety of scenarios testing the adaptability and responsiveness of NATO forces, PODA23 presented the participating fighter detachments from Italy, Türkiye and the United States and assets from the Italian Navy and Army with realistic scenarios. Participants from the nation had to ensure seamless communication and cooperation during an air campaign contributing to synchronized air, land and maritime operations. In addition, the DACCC – through the deployment of its mobile radar to Cervia - enhanced situational awareness and facilitated real-time monitoring of different environments for early detection.
"Beyond the simulations and high-flying missions, PODA23 provided a unique opportunity for military personnel to forge bonds promoting deeper understanding across different nations," said Colonel Damiano Spalluto, DACCC's Public Affairs Officer. "The Media and Spotters Day at Istrana Air Base with nearly 400 photographers was a huge success. It provided a unique opportunity for Allied participants to showcase their combined joint capabilities and for journalists and aviation enthusiasts to witness, capture and report on various aircraft and flight activities,” he added.
The impact of PODA23 extends beyond the training area. The visible demonstration of NATO's capabilities sends a clear message to potential adversaries and acts as a deterrent to those who might challenge the security and stability the Alliance guarantees. The exercise demonstrated NATO's ability to respond rapidly and effectively to any threat, ensuring the collective defence of its members.
The successful outcome of this exercise reinforces DACCC's position as a unique centre to enable and enhance deployable command and control of Allied air forces in a complex scenario. PODA23 sets the stage for future joint endeavors, ensuring that the Alliance remains ready to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world