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
