Allied Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) alongside Air to Air refuelling aircraft have been busy supporting NATO-led Neptune Strike with sorties across Europe. Allied AEW&C including Turkish Air Force E-7T Peace Eagle, Hellenic Air Force Embraer 145 and NATO AWACS have flown numerous sorties supporting Neptune Strike 2022. These assets provide a recognized air and surface picture to all units and control authorities within the operating area. This information, shared over digital data links enhances situational awareness and allows the prioritization of assets when commanders are faced with multiple threats.
“Air to air refuelling and AEW&C aircraft are critical enablers in the modern battlespace extending the reach and effectiveness of Allied air platforms,” said Major General Jörg Lebert, Chief of Staff Allied Air Command. “Neptune Strike has provided a golden opportunity for crews to train with a variety of different support aircraft, demonstrating the interoperability, and increasing the cohesion of the Alliance.”
Long-range missions carried out during Neptune Strike require the support of Allied air-to-air refuelling aircraft. This capability has been provided by: a French Air Force A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), a USAF KC-135, an Italian KC-767A and an A330 MRTT from the joint multinational MRTT unit. Air-to-air refuelling is a key capability that extends the reach and endurance of Allied air power, ensuring it can react to any situation across the European theatre.
Neptune Strike 22 allows NATO to integrate the high-end maritime strike capabilities of a US Carrier Strike Group into the constant vigilance activities that provide security and regional stability. The unique capabilities of the Carrier Strike Group also enable multiple theatre-wide missions and training events to be executed concurrently across Europe. Neptune Strike 22 has increased the readiness of the United States Navy and Allied air, land and maritime units.
