69 best photos from Air Defender 2023 - the largest military exercise in NATO history involving dozens of aircraft, including F-35, F-15, F-16 and A-10

The largest military exercise in NATO history concluded in Europe this week. The US Air Force redeployed dozens of aircraft to take part in Air Defender 2023. Detailed reports on the event have yet to emerge, but for now we offer a look at photos of the planes that flew over Germany, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Estonia.

A-10 Thunderbolt II

While the US Air Force is thinking about scrapping the A-10, the legendary aircraft took part in Air Defender 2023. They came to Europe from Idaho, Maryland and Michigan.

F-15 Eagle & F-16 Fighting Falcon

Air National Guard units from Colorado, Massachusetts, Alabama and Louisiana sent F-15s and F-16s to Europe. Also taking part in the exercise was the 52nd Fighter Aviation Regiment, based at Spangdahlem in Germany.

F-35 Lighting II

Needless to say, Air Defender 2023 was not without American fifth-generation fighters. The Vermont Air National Guard sent its F-35 Lightning II to Europe.

C-130 Hercules

The C-130 Hercules has also played an important role in NATO exercises.

Other aircraft

The B-1B Lancer supersonic strategic bomber took part in Air Defender exercises for the first time. Four aircraft arrived in Europe at the end of May. Also worth noting was the use of the MQ-9 Reaper drone.

Naturally, the USA was not the only country to send planes. Air Defender 2023 involved fighter and transport aircraft from numerous countries. Ground forces coordinated air support and landed from C-130 aircraft.

Source: Air & Space Forces