Ramstein, Germany – Allied and Partner Air Chiefs came together on Ramstein Air Base for the bi-annual NATO Air Chiefs’ Symposium (NACS) on 16 March hosted by General James Hecker.
This meeting allows all Allied Air Chiefs the opportunity to come together and collaborate on shared success and combined opportunities in the future. This iteration had topics covering an update on NATO’s Air Shielding effort on the eastern flank of the Alliance and requirements for a counter-Integrated Air Defence System capability. Discussions also focused on how to upgrade and further improve air bases for combat operations and to accelerate NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence efforts.
The Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Christopher Cavoli was connected to the Symposium via VTC and shared his vision with NATO’ Air and Space community. The Italian Deputy Air Chief, Lieutenant General Aurelio Colagrande, presented background on the centenary of the Italian Air Force, and the Croatian Air Chief, Brigadier General Michael Križanec, gave an update on his country’s armed forces modernisation programme.
I am convinced this is the ideal forum to facilitate frank, open and fruitful discussions, especially towards the Vilnius Summit in July 2023
"It is a great pleasure to host senior representatives from NATO’s Air Forces again here at HQ AIRCOM for 2023’s first iteration of the NATO Air Chiefs’ Symposium. This is always a great opportunity to strengthen relationships and improve communications amongst each other,” said General James Hecker Commander Allied Air Command and US Air Forces Europe/Africa. “I am convinced this is the ideal forum to facilitate frank, open and fruitful discussions, especially towards the Vilnius Summit in July 2023. We had great exchanges on Air and Space Power related to the overarching theme of the symposium ‘Accelerating Integration’”, he concluded
Allied and Partner Air Chiefs came together on Ramstein Air Base for the bi-annual NATO Air Chiefs’ Symposium (NACS) on 16 March. Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin.
Twice each year, the NACS allows all Allied and Partner Air Chiefs to come together and collaborate on shared success and combined opportunities in the future.
Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin.
General James Hecker, Commander Allied air Command (centre) chaired the NACS; to his right his deputy Air Marshal Johnny Stringer and to his left the Chief of Staff Gianluca Ercolani.
Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin.
The Italian Deputy Air Chief, Lieutenant General Aurelio Colagrande (second from left) walked through an exhibition on the centenary of the Italian Air Force,
Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin
In addition to the Air Chiefs, Allied Air Forces’ Senior Enlisted Leaders (CSEL) joined for a separate conference at the same time. Senior Enlisted Leaders represent their commander, communicating the commander's goals and direction for the command to the enlisted workforce, while simultaneously representing the enlisted personnel's views and concerns to the commander. They enhance communication and foster a better understanding of the needs and viewpoints of all members.
NATO, and its Air Forces, are facing a very dynamic security environment, one that recently has become more complex, fast moving and demanding
The symposium ended with closing remarks from General Hecker and the CSEL conference wrap-up. “NATO, and its Air Forces, are facing a very dynamic security environment, one that recently has become more complex, fast moving and demanding,” he said “We continue to address these issues and provide assurance to our Alliance and to Partners,” he added.