Nov 10 2023

Future planning in person - Allied Air Command welcomes Partner Air Chiefs

RAMSTEIN, Germany - On November 9, 2023, Partner Air Chiefs and representatives from 14 partner nations arrived at Headquarters Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) and 2 partner nations via VTC, Ramstein for the 2023 Partner Air Chiefs’ Conference (PACC).

The coming together of the Partner Air Chiefs represents a commitment to information sharing critical to future operational planning

Chaired by General James B. Hecker, the PACC provides an excellent opportunity for partner countries to exchange views on air power-related matters. NATO’s cooperation with partner nations contribute to shaping policy, improving interoperability and managing crises. Partnership programmes also assists in the development of national defence and security institutions and forces. 

 “It has been my pleasure to host the first in-person Partner Air Chiefs’ Conference since 2021 here at Ramstein” said General James B. Hecker. “The conference has allowed for unique and beneficial discussions on the opportunities and challenges in the Air and Space domain. The coming together of the Partner Air Chiefs represents a commitment to information sharing critical to future operational planning”, he added.

Chaired by General James B. Hecker, the PACC provides an excellent opportunity for partner countries to exchange views on air power-related matters. Photo by: Arnaud Chamberlin

NATO’s cooperation with partner nations contribute to shaping policy, improving interoperability and managing crises. Partnership programmes also assists in the development of national defence and security institutions and forces. Photo by: Arnaud Chamberlin

Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Ukraine Air Force, attended the conference via VTC, providing an update on the Ukrainian crisis and how the conflict has influenced and shaped Allied air activities. General Hiroaki Uchikura of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force spoke about NATO cooperation from the Indo-Pacific perspective. Whilst an ARICOM Senior Intelligence Analyst briefed about the changing strategic environment.

Colonel Juan Matinez Esparza from NATO Headquarters spoke on the new strategic concept and partnerships following the Madrid Summit in 2022 and NATO Space Centre gave input on NATO’s implementation of the space domain, space capabilities and enablement and treats in the space domain.

The conference also covered multiple topics from Air Situation Data Exchange to education and training opportunities for partner nations all designed to increase collaboration and efficiency among the participants. 

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office