In this episode, we cover six developments across NATO’s air and multi-domain activity — a snapshot of an Alliance modernising its command-and-control backbone, sharpening readiness on the eastern flank, and accelerating fifth-generation interoperability across Europe.We begin at Ramstein Air Base for a milestone in fifth-generation sustainment and Allied integration: a cross-servicing weapons load on a U.S. Air Force F-35A conducted by Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force weapons specialists during the European Air Chiefs Group meeting. Marking the first weapons load by non-American Allied maintainers on a U.S. F-35A, the event demonstrated practical interoperability — including shared safety procedures, data, and equipment compatibility — and reinforced NATO’s ability to sustain distributed fifth-generation operations across Allied bases.Next, we shift to the inauguration of Lotto 4 at NATO’s Deployable Air Command and Control Centre (DACCC). The new operational structure represents a major step forward for NATO’s Air Command and Control architecture, combining a modern operations room and an innovation-focused Battle Lab designed to support high-intensity operations, resilience under pressure, and deeper multi-domain integration.The next story we look at is on NATO’s eastern flank, as German Air Force Eurofighters deploy to Malbork, Poland, to assume NATO’s Air Policing mission. With five aircraft and roughly 150 personnel from Tactical Air Wing 31 “Boelcke,” the detachment reinforces NATO’s 24/7 Quick Reaction Alert posture, operating in coordination with the Polish Air Force and under the direction of NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem. The mission also highlights Germany’s ability to sustain concurrent Air Policing deployments, alongside its ongoing contribution in Romania.From there, we move south to Italy for Exercise Poggio Dart 25, hosted by the Italian Air Force and led by the DACCC at Poggio Renatico. With more than thirty assets employed across live and virtual training, the exercise strengthened NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence readiness and tested interoperability across Allied and national systems. Deployable radar and control-and-reporting elements — paired with AWACS support — demonstrated NATO’s ability to coordinate complex operations in a multi-domain environment without reliance on fixed infrastructure.Staying in Italy, we then examine the Italian Air Force special operations exercise Artiglio 2025, which integrated Special Forces with fourth- and fifth-generation air assets to operationalise NATO’s Agile Combat Employment concept and counter anti-access and area-denial threats. The exercise simulated austere operations from an advanced operating node, combining special reconnaissance and direct action with close air support, air interdiction support, and the controlled insertion and rapid regeneration of F-35A operations through a forward arming and refuelling point and “hot refuelling.”Finally, in Poland, Allied Air Command led a NATO Find, Fix, Track, and Target (F2T2) training event involving forces from six nations: Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Conducted in support of NATO’s enhanced Vigilance Activity, Eastern Sentry, the mission tested multi-domain integration across air and land elements, including AWACS command-and-control, fighter operations, refuelling support, and ground-based coordination. The exercise highlighted Eastern Sentry’s flexible deterrence posture and NATO’s ability to synchronise sensors and shooters rapidly in contested environments.Together, these six stories illustrate a NATO Alliance investing in modern command and control, reinforcing airspace security on the eastern flank, and pushing interoperability into real-world, fifth-generation execution — ensuring Allied Airpower remains ready, resilient, and integrated across the Euro-Atlantic region. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
In this episode, we explore six major developments across NATO’s air and multi-domain operations — a snapshot of an Alliance sharpening its readiness, accelerating integration, and strengthening deterrence across the Euro-Atlantic region.We begin in the United States, where the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force completed a demanding deployment to Idaho for Exercise Gunfighter Flag 25-02. Twelve Dutch F-35s conducted advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground training alongside U.S. Air Force units, demonstrating NATO’s ability to rapidly project Airpower and operate together in high-intensity, contested environments.Next, on NATO’s southern flank, the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force supported Neptune Strike 25-4 with its RQ-4D Phoenix fleet operating from Sigonella. This iteration marked several milestones, including NISRF’s first integration of an ISR Package Commander and simultaneous support to two Joint Force Commands. The mission delivered theatre-wide situational awareness and reinforced NATO’s multi-domain maritime readiness.In the Baltic region, the Hungarian Air Forces completed a four-month Air Policing mission from Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania. Flying JAS-39C Gripens, Hungary executed more than twenty Alpha scrambles and maintained a 24/7 Quick Reaction Alert posture in cooperation with Spanish and Italian detachments. Their participation in multinational training missions strengthened interoperability and helped secure NATO’s eastern flank.At Ramstein, U.S. Air Force aeromedical teams enhanced NATO’s medical readiness during the Medical Evaluation Course. Airmen from the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron prepared a C-130H Hercules for a large-scale simulated evacuation, working alongside U.S. Army medical personnel and CCATT specialists. The exercise strengthened shared standards and improved Allied interoperability in critical-care air transport.Across northern Europe, the U.S. Bomber Task Force concluded its latest deployment as B-52H Stratofortress bombers integrated with Finnish, Lithuanian, and Swedish fighter aircraft. Training missions rehearsed responses to anti-access and area-denial threats while showcasing the principles behind NATO’s newest enhanced Vigilance Activity, Eastern Sentry. The deployment showcased NATO’s ability to project its defensive shield across the High North and Eastern Flank.Finally, at Allied Air Command Headquarters, SACEUR — General Alexus G. Grynkewich — emphasized warfighting readiness during his visit to Ramstein. Meeting with Lieutenant General Jason T. Hinds, he highlighted the need for a warfighting mindset across all levels of command and reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to integrated, multi-domain defence. His visit underscored the Alliance’s focus on adaptation, unity, and preparedness in an evolving security environment.Together, these six stories illustrate a NATO that is training harder, integrating more deeply, and preparing collectively for the challenges ahead — ensuring Allied Airpower remains ready, resilient, and decisive across the Euro-Atlantic area. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
In this episode, Jose “Houdini” Davis sits down with U.S. Lieutenant Colonel Brennan “Thor” Gallagher, one of Allied Air Command’s key operational leads behind Eastern Sentry, NATO’s newest vigilance activity along the Alliance’s Eastern Flank. A U.S. Air Force Weapons School graduate, rescue C-130 pilot, and senior planner in AIRCOM’s A35 directorate, Thor brings deep operational and strategic expertise to a conversation that unpacks both the origin and the ambition of NATO’s Eastern Sentry.Thor explains how Eastern Sentry emerged as NATO’s immediate response to repeated Russian drone violations in September — airspace intrusions that made clear the Alliance had to shift to a more proactive, integrated air defence posture. This evolution is not cosmetic; it represents a structural change in how NATO protects its populations and airspace. Instead of reacting to incursions, Eastern Sentry pushes sensors, shooters, aircraft, and cyber/space capabilities forward, creating a flexible defensive lattice from the Baltics to the Black Sea.As the operational lead for Eastern Sentry, AIRCOM is working closely with LANDCOM, MARCOM, and other NATO entities, developing a “sensor-to-shooter ecosystem,” where land-based counter-UAS systems, maritime patrol aircraft, satellite-enabled ISR, and Airpower are bound together by command and control as the glue.The episode also highlights how Eastern Sentry has triggered a surge of Allied contributions. Nations including Czechia, Germany, France, Denmark, and others have surged aircraft, sensors, and special operations helicopters to reinforce the integrity of NATO’s eastern airspace. These activities — mirrored in real-world events like the Rafale launch out of Poland during an Eastern Sentry alert — demonstrate the speed, cohesion, and credibility of the Alliance’s integrated response network.Thor walks listeners through how Eastern Sentry is also becoming a proving ground for innovation, testing new counter-UAS technologies, mobile radar units, and rapid sensor-to-shooter links. In partnership with Allied Command Transformation and other NATO components, Eastern Sentry is evaluating systems already gaining traction, shaping what deterrence will look like on NATO territory in the years ahead.Recorded Monday, 27 October 2025. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
In this episode, we explore five major Allied Air Command developments that demonstrate NATO’s enduring focus on leadership, readiness, and collective deterrence across the Euro-Atlantic region.First, across four host nations in northern Europe, NATO conducted its annual nuclear deterrence exercise Steadfast Noon. Up to seventy aircraft from fourteen Allied countries participated in the training, which tested the Alliance’s procedures for maintaining a safe, secure, and credible nuclear posture. Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that the exercise “ensures our nuclear deterrent remains credible, safe, and effective” — reaffirming NATO’s resolve to defend every Ally against any threat.Next, in southeastern Europe, Romania certified a second F-16 Fighting Falcon squadron to support NATO Air Policing missions. Operating from Câmpia Turzii Air Base, the 48th Fighter Squadron joins existing Romanian and German detachments to secure the Alliance’s eastern flank. The new unit highlights Romania’s growing contribution to NATO’s integrated air and missile defence system, reinforcing deterrence and cohesion along the Black Sea region.Meanwhile, Allied Air Command participated in Exercise Steadfast Duel 2025, NATO’s largest computer-assisted command post exercise of the year. Directed by the Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger, Norway, the event brought together all three Joint Force Commands — Brunssum, Naples, and Norfolk — under one coordinated framework. Air Operations Centres in Spain, Germany, and Norway trained side by side, simulating complex air tasking, coordination across domains, and integrated command and control in an Article 5 scenario.At Allied Air Command Headquarters in Ramstein, leadership recognition and transition marked the close of October. During a ceremony on October 31, Deputy Commander Général de corps aérien Guillaume Thomas of France received the Cross of the German Armed Forces in Gold for his expert leadership during Exercise Pacific Skies 2024. The award, presented by General Ingo Gerhartz, honored his role in advancing Franco-German cooperation and Allied interoperability throughout the Indo-Pacific exercise.Finally, the month concluded with a change of command at the top. U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Jason T. Hinds assumed leadership of NATO’s Allied Air Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and U.S. Air Forces Africa. During the ceremony, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus G. Grynkewich, formally passed the guidon, marking the transition. In his address, Lieutenant General Hinds underscored unity and readiness, declaring: “Our unity, purpose, and collective deterrence is our strength. And should deterrence fail, we must be ready to fight tonight, fight tomorrow, and fight together.”Together, these developments reflect NATO’s continued evolution in leadership, capability, and resolve — from strategic deterrence and air policing to integrated command and operational excellence — ensuring Allied Airpower remains decisive and united across the Euro-Atlantic area. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
In this special episode, Jose “Houdini” Davis sits down with Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer, Acting Commander of NATO Allied Air Command, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation that bridges three decades of airpower, leadership, and strategy. A former Typhoon Wing Commander with over 3,000 flight hours, Air Marshal Stringer has led across every level — from cockpit to command table — serving as Chief of Staff at the UK’s Joint Forces Command and Director of Strategy at UK Strategic Command. Educated at Oxford and King’s College London, he brings a rare blend of tactical insight and grand strategic vision to his reflections on NATO’s evolving mission.Air Marshal Stringer traces how Allied Air Command has transformed during his tenure, shaped by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the consequences thereafter. He discusses how the Alliance is now “resetting” its air and space power for a new era of deterrence, where air and missile defense, Agile Combat Employment (ACE), and integrated command and control (C2) define NATO’s priorities. Drawing on his love of history, Air Marshal Stringer compares today’s challenges to those faced by NATO in 1958, when rapid technological and geopolitical change forced a similar transformation in how airpower was organized and employed.In his trademark wit and clarity, Air Marshal Stringer also reflects on the philosophy behind his guiding maxim, “Better Never Stops.” For him, it’s more than a slogan: it’s a professional ethic rooted in curiosity, humility, and continuous improvement. It is the belief that high-performing organizations must be as curious about their failures as their successes. He shares how that mindset has shaped NATO’s approach to innovation and adaptation amid accelerating change.As he prepares to conclude more than three years leading NATO Allied Air Command, Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer leaves listeners with a message of gratitude and resolve: a reminder that NATO’s strength lies in unity, professionalism, and a shared commitment to the billion people its members defend.Recorded Wednesday, 22 October 2025. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
In this episode, we explore five major Allied developments that underscore NATO’s ongoing commitment to deterrence, vigilance, and integrated Airpower across the Euro-Atlantic region.First, in southern Europe, Allied and Partner Tiger Squadrons gathered in Portugal for the annual NATO Tiger Meet. Over eighty aircraft and fifteen hundred personnel from nine NATO nations — plus Austria and Switzerland — took part at Beja Air Base. Hosted by the Portuguese Air Force for the fifth time, the two-week exercise featured daily live-fly missions, from close air support to search and rescue, strengthening interoperability and camaraderie among NATO’s premier fighter units.Next, in the Baltics, Italy transitioned its NATO Air Policing mission in Estonia from F-35 Lightning II aircraft to Eurofighter Typhoons. The handover, conducted at Ämari Air Base, marks the continuation of Italy’s two-decade contribution to NATO’s Baltic security. Supported by the Gulfstream E-550A and the SAMP/T missile system, the new detachment maintains the Alliance’s quick-reaction capability on the Eastern Flank.Meanwhile, in Poland, nine NATO nations conducted a live Find, Fix, Track, and Target (F2T2) exercise, coordinated by Allied Air Command. Danish F-35s, Spanish Typhoons, and French and Turkish tanker aircraft integrated under Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejón’s command. Supported by NATO AWACS and Polish control units, the mission tested seamless multi-domain coordination across air, land, sea, cyber, and space — refining Allied precision-strike and decision-making in contested environments.At Allied Air Command Headquarters in Ramstein, Air Chiefs from twenty-nine Allied nations and five Partners convened for the bi-annual NATO Air Chiefs’ Symposium. Acting Commander Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer led discussions under the theme “Accelerating Air and Missile Defence for 360-Degree Security.” Leaders explored integrated command and control (C2), enhanced vigilance activities (eVA), and the future of NATO air and missile defence. The event also marked Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer’s final symposium before the handover to Lieutenant General Guillaume Thomas as the new Deputy Commander of AIRCOM.Finally, in the High North, NATO inaugurated a new Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) in Bodø, Norway. The new CAOC — NATO’s third alongside Uedem in Germany and Torrejón in Spain — expands the Alliance’s command and control network across the Arctic and Nordic region. Norwegian Major General Tron Strand assumed command during a ceremony attended by senior leaders from Norway, Finland, Sweden, and NATO. Vice Admiral Doug Perry of Joint Force Command Norfolk emphasized the CAOC’s role in safeguarding the North Atlantic and enhancing deterrence from Florida to Finland.Together, these developments highlight how Allied Air Command continues to strengthen NATO’s integrated posture — from the Iberian Peninsula to the Arctic Circle — ensuring flexibility, readiness, and unity across all domains of operation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
In this episode, we take listeners beyond the atmosphere to explore NATO’s newest operational domain — space. Joining him is U.S. Colonel Jonathan L. Whitaker, Chief of Staff at NATO’s Combined Forces Space Component Command and Director of the NATO Space Operations Center at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. With more than two decades of experience in U.S. and Allied space operations, Colonel Whitaker offers a rare inside look at how the Alliance is adapting to an era where the orbital environment is no longer benign but increasingly contested, congested, and critical to deterrence and defense.The conversation traces the origins of NATO’s Space Center, established in 2020, and how it now functions as the hub for Allied space activity — tracking satellites, monitoring space weather and GPS integrity, safeguarding secure communications for NATO aircraft, and coordinating multinational intelligence from orbit. Colonel Whitaker describes how nations with different capabilities contribute to a shared mission, blending military and commercial technologies to keep space secure and accessible.Through real-world examples he illustrates how space-based intelligence and situational awareness enable commanders on the ground, at sea, and in the air to act decisively. He also discusses the growing partnership between NATO and industry, the integration of commercial space assets, and the coming expansion of the NATO Space Operations Center into a 24-hour global watch.At its heart, this episode shows how space has become the connective tissue of modern warfare and peacekeeping alike. Recorded Wednesday, 10 September 2025. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
In this episode, we explore three major Allied developments that underscore NATO’s commitment to readiness, partnership, and deterrence across Europe.First, at Allied Air Command Headquarters in Ramstein, fourteen Partner nations gathered for the annual Partner Air Chiefs’ Conference. Acting Commander Air Marshall Johnny Stringer led discussions on Agile Combat Employment, Counter–Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), and strengthening partnerships. The conference reinforced how dialogue between NATO and its Partners continues to shape future Airpower cooperation.Next, we turn to Northern Europe, where Finland led Exercise Protective Fence 2025 — the nation’s largest live-fly event of the year. With over 50 aircraft and 1,200 personnel from Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, the exercise tested dispersed operations across multiple air bases. Coordinated with the U.K.-led Joint Expeditionary Force, it demonstrated the Allies’ ability to operate flexibly under NATO’s Agile Combat Employment concept.Finally, in Denmark, NATO and national forces protected the skies over Copenhagen during high-level EU and European Political Community summits. Following recent drone incursions, additional air, maritime, and ground-based assets — including the German frigate FGS Hamburg and the U.S. destroyer U.S.S. Bulkeley — secured the region under Baltic Sentry operations. As NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte put it: “We have to keep our skies safe.”Together, these events highlight the Alliance’s unified approach to deterrence and defence — combining planning, training, and operational action to ensure Europe’s skies remain secure. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
Recorded at the NATO Communicators Conference in Athens, Greece this episode explores the role of Strategic Communications (STRATCOM) in today’s complex information environment. We sit down with Wing Commander Tim Barlow, former STRATCOM Director at NATO Allied Air Command and now at SHAPE’s J10 Directorate, to unpack what STRATCOM really means — linking presence, posture, profile, and words into coherent actions that influence audiences and safeguard democracy. Wing Commander Barlow shares practical insights, including a case study on hosting Serbian media and political leaders at Allied Air Command, where open dialogue and cultural connection transformed perceptions of NATO. At its core, the conversation highlights STRATCOM as more than messaging — it is about building trust, understanding audiences, and demonstrating that NATO’s strength lies in unity.Recorded Wednesday, 24 September 2025. DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in The Allied Airpower Podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NATO, NATO Allied Air Command, or any national government. Any external hyperlinks or resources shared on this podcast do not constitute endorsement. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
This week highlighted a series of major NATO Airpower events across Europe and the High North during September 2025.We begin with Cobra Warrior 25-2, where the Royal Air Force is hosting Allies Canada, Italy, Germany, the UK, and the United States at RAF Waddington. This large-scale exercise pushes aircrews to their limits, sharpening interoperability and readiness in complex, high-threat environments.Next, we move north to Greenland for Arctic Light 2025, a Danish-led exercise involving over 550 personnel. Naval, air, land, and special forces from Denmark, France, Sweden, Norway, and Germany trained together in live-fire drills, cold-weather operations, and large-scale search and rescue missions — demonstrating NATO’s ability to operate in the most demanding Arctic conditions.From there, we head to Lithuania for Exercise Baltic Bikini 2025, where aircrews from Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, and Lithuania rehearsed survival after ditching at sea. Through realistic water-based rescue scenarios, NATO reinforced critical skills for personnel operating over the Baltic region.We then highlight the 25th NATO Days in Ostrava and the 16th Czech Air Force Days, which drew nearly 100,000 spectators. The event showcased Allied modernization, from Slovakia’s new F-16 Block 70/72 fighters and Portugal’s KC-390 transport to spectacular aerial displays by the Red Arrows, Turkish Stars, and Croatia’s Krila Oluje.Finally, we close with a historic milestone in the High North: a UK RAF A400 transport aircraft landing for the first time on Jan Mayen, a remote volcanic island in the Norwegian Sea. The mission delivered a U.S. Marine Corps Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and underscored NATO’s ability to sustain operations in one of the world’s most challenging environments.Together, these events highlight NATO’s commitment to collective defense, agility, and readiness across multiple domains — from the Baltic and Central Europe to the icy Arctic frontier. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
The Allied Airpower Podcast is committed to telling the true stories of the individuals who comprise the 32-member Alliance. Are you interested in sharing your story of service to your nation and your contributions to NATO? Contact us and be a guest on the podcast! In this powerful episode, The Allied Airpower Podcast shifts focus, from the conceptual to the frontlines, spotlighting the Airmen who make NATO Airpower possible. Today, we tell the individual story of an Airman who overcame hardship and adversity to be where he is today. Meet U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Honza Cafourek, whose path runs from childhood in Czechoslovakia under communism, to escape across the Iron Curtain, to building a new life in America and ultimately serving as a proud U.S. Air Force Airman. MSgt. Cafourek reflects on the grit and determination it took to learn English, gain American citizenship, and build a career in the U.S. Air Force, supporting missions from Guam to the Middle East. Along the way, he opens up about adversity, resilience, and his enduring dream of serving as a police officer. Now back in his native Czech Republic with U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa, MSgt. Cafourek embodies the values of commitment, service, and sacrifice — standing as both an ambassador and an inspiration ahead of NATO Days in Ostrava, September 20-21.DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in The Allied Airpower Podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NATO, NATO Allied Air Command, or any national government. Any external hyperlinks or resources shared on this podcast do not constitute endorsement. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
This week’s news roundup episode spotlights five stories that showcase NATO’s commitment to vigilance, unity, and airpower excellence across the Alliance.In Poland and the Baltic region, NATO’s Air Policing mission responded swiftly to multiple airspace violations, including Russian drones and reconnaissance flights. Scrambles by Dutch, Spanish, French, and German fighters demonstrated NATO’s collective defence in action.But first, we begin at Eindhoven Air Base in the Netherlands, where the European Air Transport Command (EATC) marked its 15th anniversary — celebrating multinational success in air mobility, air-to-air refuelling, and aeromedical evacuation across seven member nations.Then we move to Konya Air Base in Türkiye, where NATO AWACS and Turkish aircraft teamed up for NEXUS ACE training — strengthening tactical coordination under the Tailored Assurance Measures for Türkiye.Next, we head to Italy, where the Frecce Tricolori celebrated 65 years of precision aerobatics. Teams from six Allied and partner nations joined the air show, highlighting the operational value of aerial display teams within NATO.Finally, in Sigonella, Italy, the NATO ISR Force celebrated its tenth anniversary — tracing its evolution from a ground surveillance program to a permanent intelligence hub supporting operations from Sicily to the High North. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
NATO Days in Ostrava, in the Czech Republic, is the biggest security show in Europe, and in this special episode — part of a two-part series — we had the special privilege to chat with two important leaders organizing this exposition of NATO Airpower: Colonel (Ret.) David Webb (USAF), longtime B-52 electronic warfare officer and current North American representative for Jagello 2000, and Colonel Michal Kudyn (Czech Air Force), head of training and exercises and this year’s Display Director for NATO Days in Ostrava.Drawing more than 200,000 visitors a year, NATO Days in Ostrava is more than just an airshow; it is a full-spectrum security display, combining air demonstrations with ground forces, air defense, armored vehicles, and even working dogs. In the episode, Colonel Kudyn and Colonel Webb share with listeners how the event has grown from a small one-day gathering in 2001 into a massive multinational showcase demonstrating collective defense.NATO Days in Ostrava offers attendees a vivid picture of Allied security and cooperation, assuring Allied publics of their security across the 32-member Alliance. This year, Italy serves as the special partner nation, bringing the F-35 and other assets, while the Czech Air Force takes pride in hosting Allies and building new bonds. In the episode, both leaders emphasize NATO Days in Ostrava as not just a display of power, but also a platform for community engagement, education, and a reminder that the Alliance is stronger together.DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in The Allied Airpower Podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NATO, NATO Allied Air Command, or any national government. Any external hyperlinks or resources shared on this podcast do not constitute endorsement. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
Straight to your email! Subscribe to our Substack to receive full text transcripts of our exclusive interviews with esteemed guests on The Allied Airpower Podcast. natoaircom.substack.com Did you know that Türkiye and the U.S. are not part of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)? How does maritime, air, and space parallel each other in terms of international law? What is Freedom of Navigation and Freedom of Maneuver anyways? And why does this matter to Airpower?In this episode, we draw on decades of experience from a career naval legal officer and academic from the University of Adelaide to help us answer these questions. Professor Dale Stephens explores how freedom of navigation and freedom of maneuver shape military and civilian activity across sea, air, and space.The discussion traces the historical roots of maritime law, from Roman claims over the Mediterranean to the Treaty of Tordesillas and Grotius’ principle of the “freedom of the seas.” The Professor explains how modern law balances state sovereignty with global trade needs.He highlights today’s challenges, including China’s South China Sea claims, security tensions in the Arctic, and air incidents involving lasers and close intercepts, showing how states push legal “grey zones” to expand control. The conversation then extends into space law, where treaties like the Outer Space Treaty set limits (e.g., banning weapons of mass destruction in orbit) but leave open questions about sovereignty, militarization, and commercialization.Looking to the future, Dr. Stephens stresses the importance of defending the rules-based international order to prevent fragmentation into narrow national interests. He closes with a message of gratitude to NATO service members, emphasizing the honor and necessity of their sacrifice in maintaining global security.DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in The Allied Airpower Podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NATO, NATO Allied Air Command, or any national government. Any external hyperlinks or resources shared on this podcast do not constitute endorsement. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
In this episode, we explore how NATO Allies are showcasing Airpower, strengthening deterrence, and adapting to new operational challenges across Europe.First, we head to Latvia, where Hungarian and Swedish JAS-thirty-nine Gripens joined U.S. Air Force B-one-B Lancer bombers for a formation flyover above Riga’s famous Monument of Freedom. The mission highlighted NATO’s ability to integrate advanced aircraft and demonstrated transatlantic unity on the Alliance’s eastern flank.Next, we shift north to Iceland, where the Belgian Air Force has taken over NATO’s Air Policing mission from Spain. For the first time, Belgium deployed F-16s to Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, working alongside the Icelandic Coast Guard and NATO controllers to safeguard Arctic skies and maintain quick reaction alert until mid-September.Finally, we head to Denmark’s Lakolk Beach, where a Norwegian C-130J Super touched down on sand for the first time. This milestone event was part of Agile Combat Employment training, proving that Allied aircrews can operate from unconventional surfaces like beaches and highways when traditional runways aren’t available.From Bomber Task force integration, to safeguarding remote airspace, to landing heavy aircraft on sand. The message is clear: the Alliance is ready to respond anytime, anywhere. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
In this episode, we explore three stories that underscore NATO’s cooperation, innovation, and readiness across the Alliance.We begin in Belgrade, where NATO’s Mobile Training Team partnered with the Serbian Air Force to strengthen air operational planning skills under the Partnership for Peace programme.Then we move to Pápa Air Base in Hungary, where the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force conducted its first-ever diversion recovery training using advanced Virtual Reality technology to prepare multinational crews for critical aircraft recovery scenarios.Finally, we head north, from Iceland to Norway, where U.S. B-1B Lancer bombers integrated with Spanish EF/A-18M Hornets on Air Policing duty. The U.S. B-1B Lancers were on their way to Ørland Air Base, Norway to further train and integrate with Norwegian F-35s in this iteration of the U.S.’ Bomber Task Force deployment, honing skills for high-threat air operations and refining skills in the find, fix, track and target process. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com
In this episode, we cover NATO’s ongoing air policing efforts across Europe as multiple nations rotate responsibilities in the Baltic and Black Sea regions. Germany takes over from Italy at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base in Romania, deploying Eurofighter Typhoons to support NATO’s southeastern flank. In Estonia, Italy assumes Baltic Air Policing duties from Portugal, whose detachment completed a robust deployment with over 400 flight hours and participation in numerous multinational exercises.Meanwhile, Hungary and Spain have deployed to Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania, replacing the Romanian and Polish detachments. These rotations bring Hungarian Gripens and Spanish Eurofighter Typhoons to the front lines of NATO’s Baltic mission. Spain also expands its commitment with EF/A-18M Hornets in Iceland. The outgoing Polish and Romanian units are recognized for their joint training achievements and community engagement, exemplifying the strength of NATO interoperability.This episode highlights the Alliance’s seamless coordination, sustained vigilance, and enduring unity across its eastern airspace. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natoaircom.substack.com