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.

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