10 A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft arrive in Europe for exercise Air Defender 2023 as part of the largest transatlantic airlift

US aircraft continue to arrive in Europe for Air Defender 2023. Last week, the legendary A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft crossed the Atlantic.

Here's What We Know

Exercise Air Defender 2023 will begin on 12 June and run for nearly two weeks. The US Air National Guard will send fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters to Europe, as well as older aircraft. These include the F-15, F-16 and A-10C. For the Air National Guard, it will be the largest airlift in its history across the Atlantic Ocean.

This year's Air Defender 2023 will feature 17,000 troops from 26 countries. The event will be divided into three phases - Swift Response, Immediate Response and Saber Guardian - each with its own aims and objectives.

Last week, 10 A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft flew to Europe, which, along with B-2 Spirit nuclear-powered bombers, are deployed to Whiteman, Missouri. The attack aircraft will provide close air support during exercises to enhance interoperability between the U.S. and NATO allies. The aircraft will be deployed at bases in Spain and Greece.

It's worth noting that the A-10C Thunderbolt II also took part in the exercise last year. Within the framework of Air Defender 2022, planes were operated from Norway, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland and Northern Macedonia.

Source: DVIDS