NATO Launches Largest Air Defense Exercise in Germany with Participation from 25 Countries

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has begun its largest-ever air defense exercise in Germany.

The German Air Force announced that from the 12th to the 23rd local time, 'Air Defender 23,' the largest air defense exercise since NATO's founding, has commenced over German and European airspace.

This exercise, led by Germany, involves 25 countries. More than 10,000 NATO troops, 100 air force aircraft including U.S. fighter jets, 70 German Bundeswehr aircraft, and a total of 250 fighters, aircraft, and helicopters are being deployed.

German broadcaster rbb reported that the exercise simulates a scenario in which the German Baltic Sea coast is attacked, triggering NATO's collective defense system. During the exercise period, civilian aircraft operations in the affected airspace will be temporarily banned, which may cause flight cancellations or delays.