NATO launches exercises “Air Defender 23”, out of which Kosovo was expelled

The “Air Defender 23”, led by Germany, will include about 250 fighter aircraft from 25 NATO states and partner states, including Japan and Sweden. The exercises will last until 23 June.

Up to 10,000 soldiers participate in exercises aimed at boosting interoperability and willingness to defend against fears and rocket attacks, in case of an attack within NATO territory.

The important message they are sending is that we can defend ourselves”, said Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz.

The “Air Defender” exercises were established in 2018 as part of the response to Russia's annexation of the Ukrainian Crimean Peninsula, even though Gerhartz insisted that this is no longer the target.

He said exercises “will not send, for example, no aircraft to Kaliningrad”, a Russian enclave located on the border with coalition member states, Poland and Lithuania.

“We are a defence alliance and thus these” exercises are planned, he said.

On Saturday, hundreds of protesters gathered in Vonstroph, Germany, to oppose the drills. Protesters held placards like “practice peace, not war”. They also called for <x2) diplomatic resolution” of Ukraine's Russian occupation and immediate ceasefire.

American Ambassador to Germany Amy Gutmann said the exercises will show “without any doubt the ability and speed of our Allied force” and that these exercises are intended to send messages to states, including Russia.

I'd be surprised if any world leader didn't realize this exercise is showing the spirit of the alliance, which means the power of this alliance, and this includes [Russian president Vladimir] Putin”, she said.

“Syncing together, we multiply our strength”, she added.

Russia has begun its unprotested invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. After the invasion began, Finland and Sweden two neutral states in order to avoid a conflict with Moscow, called for NATO membership. Sweden is still aiming to succeed in becoming the alliance's newest member.

According to NATO's Article five, any attack on a member state is considered an attack on all member states.