Allied Air Command directed a dynamic training operation between the French MAMBA system supported by Romanian F-16s and US F-15s against the Italian Eurofighters, Spanish F-18s, and Turkish F-16s. These two teams simulated air-to-air drills as well as air-to-ground drills. The fighter aircraft were supported by a Turkish refueling aircraft to extend their flight times and training opportunities. Combined Air Operations Centre at Torrejón and the Romanian Control and Reporting Centre provided the air command and control for the mission.
Simulated training events like this are key to sharpening our skills in the air as an Alliance
“Simulated training events like this are key to sharpening our skills in the air as an Alliance,” said Brigadier General Christoph Pliet, Deputy Chief of Staff Operation Allied Air Command. “Having our Air Forces train against each other enables us to enhance our forces to operate against potential adversarial integrated air defence systems to allow friendly forces freedom of maneuver essential to operations under NATO collective defence.”
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(Archived Photo) An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron flies over Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, May 10, 2018. The 492nd trains regularly to ensure RAF Lakenheath brings unique air combat capabilities to the fight. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)
The training event complies with international laws and standards and is not a response to current geopolitical developments, but embedded in the Alliance’s vigilance activities aimed at shielding the eastern flank and assuring NATO Allies in the region.
“Complex training events such as an integrated air defence take down underlines NATO’s ability to focus Allied fires and effects in the same place at the same time as one cohesive Alliance,” added Pliet. “We conduct these training missions to prepare our air forces to operate in a contested environment,” he concluded.