"Air Defender boldly emphasizes NATO's unwavering commitment to safeguarding every inch of its Allied territory."
Since its inception in early 2018, Air Defender has embodied the spirit of transatlantic solidarity within NATO. The event took flight on June 12, 2023, showcasing 250 operational aircraft, largely from United States Air National Guard units. These powerful machines, including the F-15C, F-16C, and A-10C models, were air-to-air refueled across the Atlantic just the week prior. The United States Navy enhanced this formidable presence with EA-18G, F/A-18F, and F/A-18E aircraft. European forces joined this united front, with the Finnish Air Force contributing four F/A-18Cs, the Hungarian Air Force providing JAS-39C Gripens, Turkey delivering F-16s, and the United Kingdom stepping up with RAF Typhoon FGR.4s.
Operations were mainly conducted from the military airbases of Hohn (ETNH) and Schleswig-Jagel (ETNS) in Northern Germany.
This photo report captures the awe-inspiring aircraft spotted at these airbases and others further south, such as Lechfeld and Spangdahlem, which showcased Greek F-16s and F-35s from the Vermont Air National Guard, respectively. Neuburg hosted a stunning trio of AldA EF-2000s alongside its local aircraft, while Laage welcomed a pair of Italian F-2000S jets collaborating seamlessly with the host’s EF-2000s.
The Luftwaffe deployed numerous aircraft, with other air assets launching missions from their home bases across Europe to support Air Defender 23. A total of 25 nations united in this extraordinary exercise.
As one reviews the photos captured, it’s impossible not to reflect on the rich history of the skies above Europe and the UK during the early 1970s and 1980s, when USAF aircraft frequently graced the horizon.
86-0154/MA F-15C USAF 131st FS/MA ANG.
We are getting underway with some remarkable departures out of Hohn.
With a view of the packed ramp.
85-0110/ZZ F-15C USAF 131st FS/MA ANG still in the colours of 44th FS/ZZ
"Air Defender 23"
86-0163/MA F-15C USAF 131st FS/MA ANG.
Airborne on the first morning of "Air Defender 23."
85-0101/MA F-15C USAF 131st FS/MA ANG.
On Sunday, June 11th, F-15Cs of the 122nd FS/LA ANG, F-15s 131 FS/MA ANG, and F/A-18Cs from HavLLv-31 Finnish Air Force were lined up.
Midday on Monday, the heat haze distortion made for challenging photography as 85-0126 and 86-0168, both F-15C USAF 131st FS/MA ANG taxis for take off.
83-0036/JZ F-15C USAF 122nd/LA ANG.
83-0009 F-15C USAF 122nd FS/LA ANG powers out of Hohn as EA-18G 166943/AJ-500 USN VAQ-142 is seen taxiing for take off.
169398/AJ-404 F/A-18E USN VFA-87.
166781/AJ-305 F/A-18E USN VFA-31.
168930/AJ-213 F/A-18F USN VFA-213.
17-5904 C-130J-30 USAF 181st AS/TX ANG arriving in connection with the broken C-130H from the 154th/AR ANG parked on the northside of Hohn.
168271/AJ-503 EA-18G "Growler" USN VAQ-142. Preparing for action.
168271/AJ-503 EA-18G USN VAQ-142. Growlers away.
168271/AJ-503 EA-18G USN VAQ-142. Heavey and staying low give a nice view of the busy ramp.
166943/AJ-500 EA-18G "Growler" USN VAQ-142. Hi-vis, high entertainment.
166943/AJ-500 EA-18G USN VAQ-142.
HN-407/07 F-18C HävLLv 31 Finnish airforce.
HN-405/05 F-18C HävLLv 31 Finish airforce.
HN433/33 F-18C HävLLv 31 Finnish airforce.
The 131st FS/MAs are returning to Hohn late in the morning.
84-0016 F-15C USAF 131st FS/MA ANG scorching rubber.
86-0168 F-15C USAF 131st FS/MA ANG dropping back into Hohn.
90-1798 C-130H2 USAF 'St Josephs"180th AS/MO ANG.
166943/AJ-500 leads 168271/AJ-503 EA-18Gs VAQ-142 USN for landing.
166943/AJ-500 EA-18G VAQ-142 USN.
168271/AJ-503 EA-18G VAQ-142 USN.
168271/AJ-503 EA-18G VAQ-142 USN.
62-0017 F-15C shucks! It must be great to show off!
62-0017/JZ F-15C USAF 122nd FS/LA ANG. mission over.
ZK344/344 Typhoon FGR.4 RAF 1 Sqn.
HN-433/33 F-18C HävLLa 31 Finnish Airforce with one of the civil-based Learjets below.
90-1798 C-130H2 'St Josephs' USAF 180th AS/MO ANG was only on the ground for minutes before departing for Wunstorf airbase.
80-0258/MI A-10C USAF 107th FS MI ANG.
81-0998/MI A-10C USAF 107th FS MI ANG.
80-0258/MI A-10C USAF 107th FS MI ANG.
78-0641/MI A-10C USAF 107th FS MI ANG.
78-0689 A-10C 107th FS MI ANG.
80-0221 A-10C 107th FS MI ANG.
89-0105/SD F-16CM USAF 175th FS/SD ANG.
89-0452/SD F-16CM USAF 175th FS/SD ANG.
Four 120th FS/CO ANG F-16CMs are on the break for landing at Schleswig-Jagel.
86-0370/CO F-16CM USAF 120th FS/CO ANG.
87-0336/CO F-16CM 120th FS/CO ANG. It is seen landing and wearing its former full colours from the
100th FS/AL ANG.
86-0339/CO F-16CM USAF 120th FS/CO ANG. 'Have glass' colour.
88-0229/CO F-16CM USAF 120th FS/CO ANG. 100 years, special colours.
38/39 JAS-39Cs Mh.59 Sz.D REB HuAF.
38 JAS-39C Mh.59 Sz.D REB HuAF.
39 JAS-39C Mh.59 Sz.D REB HuAF.
44 JAS-39D Mh.59 Sz.D REB HuAF.
89-0026 F-16C 151filo/20flt TuAF.
46+23 Tornado ECR TLG51 GAF.
Lands back at Hohn on day three of this massive exercise.
85-0110/ZZ F-15C USAF 131st FS/MA ANG still in the colours of 44th FS/ZZ
Recovering to Hohn.
Behind three of the four RAF Typhoon FGR.4s. Two were joining this afternoon's sortie. The RAF only participated in week one of the exercise.
The C-130H2 from the 154th AATC/AR "ANG/AFRC Test Centre, which is undergoing an engine test, is seen behind. It had been awaiting spare parts for several days after going tech.
86-0163/MA F-15C 131st FS/MA ANG.
An almost empty ramp after the mass afternoon launch.
89-9102 C-130H2 154th AATC/AR "ANG/AFRC Test Centre.
Late Wednesday, it finally gets airborne and returns to Wunstorf airbase.
ZK322/322 Typhoon FGR.4 RAF 1 Sqn.
82-0010/JZ F-15C USAF 122nd/LA ANG.
82-0036/JZ F-15C USAF 122nd/LA ANG.
Completes the afternoon departures.
I will never witness another European exercise with this mixed aircraft type and unit variation. It was absolutely brilliant, and we were so blessed with the weather.
HAPPY DAYS IN INDEED!
