RAMSTEIN, Germany – During the first NATO Air Chiefs’ Symposium (NACS) in 2024, senior leadership from Allied air forces, NATO and international organisations convened to discuss how to enhance integrated operations in NATO Air and Space Power and commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Alliance. The Ukrainian Air Force Chief of Staff joint the deliberations via video teleconference.
This conference underscores the commitment of each of the nations to the collective defence of all of NATO, and I am looking forward to our continued pursuit of the evolution of airpower to that end
Opening the symposium by providing the strategic context, General James B. Hecker said that “the continued defence of NATO is underpinned by the successful integration of capabilities across the entirety of the Alliance. This conference underscores the commitment of each of the nations to the collective defence of all of NATO, and I am looking forward to our continued pursuit of the evolution of airpower to that end.”
Allied Air Command hosts semi-annual NATO Air Chiefs’ Symposiums as a venue for exchange of views for senior representatives of NATO members’ air forces. It is an opportunity to compare notes and discuss cooperation, coordination and development of NATO Air and Space Power. Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin.
"This conference underscores the commitment of each of the nations to the collective defence of all of NATO, and I am looking forward to our continued pursuit of the evolution of airpower to that end," said AIRCOM Commander General James Hecker (second from left) Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin.
During the NATO Air Chiefs’ Symposium, senior leadership from Allied air forces, NATO and international organisations convened to discuss how to enhance integrated operations in NATO Air and Space Power. The Ukrainian Air Force Chief of Staff joint the deliberations by video conference. Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin.
The NACS attendees and staff from Allied Air Command attended a brief ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of NATO. Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin.
Following up from the previous NACS topic of operationalizing integration, the participants discussed matters related to the air fight in the joint campaign, Agile Combat Employment practicalities as well as Space Component development and requirements. One block of discussions focused on Integrated Air and Missile Defence lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.
Marking the 75th anniversary of the NATO Alliance, General Hecker invited the NACS attendees to join Allied Air Command staff for a brief ceremony. In his remarks he commended the Alliance’s long-standing tradition as a guarantor of collective security, peace and stability for more than one billion people in the 32 member nations.
“From its founding 75 years ago, building bridges and working towards consensus in collective security in post-World War II times, NATO has had a historic record of success and relevance,” said General Hecker. “Today, 75 years later, NATO is built on an enduring commitment to our shared values and our ability to adapt to emerging challenges. We celebrate our collective history of military preparations, innovations, and operations,” he added.
“For almost 50 years, an Allied command authority for air forces has supported NATO’s overall commitment to collective security out of Ramstein Air Base,” explained General Hecker. “Since 1974, we have been delivering Air and Space Power to the Alliance, coordinating efforts with national Air and Space Forces and honing Air and Space contributions to collective security, deterrence and defence,” he concluded.
Allied Air Command has hosted semi-annual NATO Air Chiefs’ Symposiums for several years. They are a venue for exchange of views for senior representatives of NATO members’ air forces and provide an opportunity to compare notes and discuss cooperation, coordination and development of NATO Air and Space Power.