The Allied Airpower Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Better Never Stops — Interview with Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode, Jose “Houdini” Davis sits down with Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer, Acting Commander of NATO Allied Air Command, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation that bridges three decades of airpower, leadership, and strategy. A former Typhoon Wing Commander with over 3,000 flight hours, Air Marshal Stringer has led across every level — from cockpit to command table — serving as Chief of Staff at the UK’s Joint Forces Command and Director of Strategy at UK Strategic Command. Educated at Oxford and King’s College London, he brings a rare blend of tactical insight and grand strategic vision to his reflections on NATO’s evolving mission.

Air Marshal Stringer traces how Allied Air Command has transformed during his tenure, shaped by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the consequences thereafter. He discusses how the Alliance is now “resetting” its air and space power for a new era of deterrence, where air and missile defense, Agile Combat Employment (ACE), and integrated command and control (C2) define NATO’s priorities. Drawing on his love of history, Air Marshal Stringer compares today’s challenges to those faced by NATO in 1958, when rapid technological and geopolitical change forced a similar transformation in how airpower was organized and employed.

In his trademark wit and clarity, Air Marshal Stringer also reflects on the philosophy behind his guiding maxim, “Better Never Stops.” For him, it’s more than a slogan: it’s a professional ethic rooted in curiosity, humility, and continuous improvement. It is the belief that high-performing organizations must be as curious about their failures as their successes. He shares how that mindset has shaped NATO’s approach to innovation and adaptation amid accelerating change.

As he prepares to conclude more than three years leading NATO Allied Air Command, Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer leaves listeners with a message of gratitude and resolve: a reminder that NATO’s strength lies in unity, professionalism, and a shared commitment to the billion people its members defend.

Recorded Wednesday, 22 October 2025.

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

NATO opens new Combined Air Operations Centre in Norway Oct 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we explore five major Allied developments that underscore NATO’s ongoing commitment to deterrence, vigilance, and integrated Airpower across the Euro-Atlantic region.

First, in southern Europe, Allied and Partner Tiger Squadrons gathered in Portugal for the annual NATO Tiger Meet. Over eighty aircraft and fifteen hundred personnel from nine NATO nations — plus Austria and Switzerland — took part at Beja Air Base. Hosted by the Portuguese Air Force for the fifth time, the two-week exercise featured daily live-fly missions, from close air support to search and rescue, strengthening interoperability and camaraderie among NATO’s premier fighter units.

Next, in the Baltics, Italy transitioned its NATO Air Policing mission in Estonia from F-35 Lightning II aircraft to Eurofighter Typhoons. The handover, conducted at Ämari Air Base, marks the continuation of Italy’s two-decade contribution to NATO’s Baltic security. Supported by the Gulfstream E-550A and the SAMP/T missile system, the new detachment maintains the Alliance’s quick-reaction capability on the Eastern Flank.

Meanwhile, in Poland, nine NATO nations conducted a live Find, Fix, Track, and Target (F2T2) exercise, coordinated by Allied Air Command. Danish F-35s, Spanish Typhoons, and French and Turkish tanker aircraft integrated under Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejón’s command. Supported by NATO AWACS and Polish control units, the mission tested seamless multi-domain coordination across air, land, sea, cyber, and space — refining Allied precision-strike and decision-making in contested environments.

At Allied Air Command Headquarters in Ramstein, Air Chiefs from twenty-nine Allied nations and five Partners convened for the bi-annual NATO Air Chiefs’ Symposium. Acting Commander Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer led discussions under the theme “Accelerating Air and Missile Defence for 360-Degree Security.” Leaders explored integrated command and control (C2), enhanced vigilance activities (eVA), and the future of NATO air and missile defence. The event also marked Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer’s final symposium before the handover to Lieutenant General Guillaume Thomas as the new Deputy Commander of AIRCOM.

Finally, in the High North, NATO inaugurated a new Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) in Bodø, Norway. The new CAOC — NATO’s third alongside Uedem in Germany and Torrejón in Spain — expands the Alliance’s command and control network across the Arctic and Nordic region. Norwegian Major General Tron Strand assumed command during a ceremony attended by senior leaders from Norway, Finland, Sweden, and NATO. Vice Admiral Doug Perry of Joint Force Command Norfolk emphasized the CAOC’s role in safeguarding the North Atlantic and enhancing deterrence from Florida to Finland.

Together, these developments highlight how Allied Air Command continues to strengthen NATO’s integrated posture — from the Iberian Peninsula to the Arctic Circle — ensuring flexibility, readiness, and unity across all domains of operation.

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

NATO in Space — Interview with US Col Jonathan Whitaker Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we take listeners beyond the atmosphere to explore NATO’s newest operational domain — space. Joining him is U.S. Colonel Jonathan L. Whitaker, Chief of Staff at NATO’s Combined Forces Space Component Command and Director of the NATO Space Operations Center at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. With more than two decades of experience in U.S. and Allied space operations, Colonel Whitaker offers a rare inside look at how the Alliance is adapting to an era where the orbital environment is no longer benign but increasingly contested, congested, and critical to deterrence and defense.

The conversation traces the origins of NATO’s Space Center, established in 2020, and how it now functions as the hub for Allied space activity — tracking satellites, monitoring space weather and GPS integrity, safeguarding secure communications for NATO aircraft, and coordinating multinational intelligence from orbit. Colonel Whitaker describes how nations with different capabilities contribute to a shared mission, blending military and commercial technologies to keep space secure and accessible.

Through real-world examples he illustrates how space-based intelligence and situational awareness enable commanders on the ground, at sea, and in the air to act decisively. He also discusses the growing partnership between NATO and industry, the integration of commercial space assets, and the coming expansion of the NATO Space Operations Center into a 24-hour global watch.

At its heart, this episode shows how space has become the connective tissue of modern warfare and peacekeeping alike.

Recorded Wednesday, 10 September 2025.

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

NATO, nations defend sky during summits in Denmark Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

On Strategic Communications — Interview with UK RAF Wing Commander Tim Barlow Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

Recorded at the NATO Communicators Conference in Athens, Greece this episode explores the role of Strategic Communications (STRATCOM) in today’s complex information environment.

We sit down with Wing Commander Tim Barlow, former STRATCOM Director at NATO Allied Air Command and now at SHAPE’s J10 Directorate, to unpack what STRATCOM really means — linking presence, posture, profile, and words into coherent actions that influence audiences and safeguard democracy.

Wing Commander Barlow shares practical insights, including a case study on hosting Serbian media and political leaders at Allied Air Command, where open dialogue and cultural connection transformed perceptions of NATO. At its core, the conversation highlights STRATCOM as more than messaging — it is about building trust, understanding audiences, and demonstrating that NATO’s strength lies in unity.

Recorded Wednesday, 24 September 2025.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in The Allied Airpower Podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NATO, NATO Allied Air Command, or any national government. Any external hyperlinks or resources shared on this podcast do not constitute endorsement.

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

Allies demonstrate agility during tactical airlift, with first-ever landing on volcanic island in the High North Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

This week highlighted a series of major NATO Airpower events across Europe and the High North during September 2025.

We begin with Cobra Warrior 25-2, where the Royal Air Force is hosting Allies Canada, Italy, Germany, the UK, and the United States at RAF Waddington. This large-scale exercise pushes aircrews to their limits, sharpening interoperability and readiness in complex, high-threat environments.

Next, we move north to Greenland for Arctic Light 2025, a Danish-led exercise involving over 550 personnel. Naval, air, land, and special forces from Denmark, France, Sweden, Norway, and Germany trained together in live-fire drills, cold-weather operations, and large-scale search and rescue missions — demonstrating NATO’s ability to operate in the most demanding Arctic conditions.

From there, we head to Lithuania for Exercise Baltic Bikini 2025, where aircrews from Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, and Lithuania rehearsed survival after ditching at sea. Through realistic water-based rescue scenarios, NATO reinforced critical skills for personnel operating over the Baltic region.

We then highlight the 25th NATO Days in Ostrava and the 16th Czech Air Force Days, which drew nearly 100,000 spectators. The event showcased Allied modernization, from Slovakia’s new F-16 Block 70/72 fighters and Portugal’s KC-390 transport to spectacular aerial displays by the Red Arrows, Turkish Stars, and Croatia’s Krila Oluje.

Finally, we close with a historic milestone in the High North: a UK RAF A400 transport aircraft landing for the first time on Jan Mayen, a remote volcanic island in the Norwegian Sea. The mission delivered a U.S. Marine Corps Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and underscored NATO’s ability to sustain operations in one of the world’s most challenging environments.

Together, these events highlight NATO’s commitment to collective defense, agility, and readiness across multiple domains — from the Baltic and Central Europe to the icy Arctic frontier.

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

NATO Days in Ostrava Part II — Interview with U.S. Master Sergeant Honza Cafourek Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

The Allied Airpower Podcast is committed to telling the true stories of the individuals who comprise the 32-member Alliance. Are you interested in sharing your story of service to your nation and your contributions to NATO? Contact us and be a guest on the podcast!

In this powerful episode, The Allied Airpower Podcast shifts focus, from the conceptual to the frontlines, spotlighting the Airmen who make NATO Airpower possible. Today, we tell the individual story of an Airman who overcame hardship and adversity to be where he is today. Meet U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Honza Cafourek, whose path runs from childhood in Czechoslovakia under communism, to escape across the Iron Curtain, to building a new life in America and ultimately serving as a proud U.S. Air Force Airman.

MSgt. Cafourek reflects on the grit and determination it took to learn English, gain American citizenship, and build a career in the U.S. Air Force, supporting missions from Guam to the Middle East. Along the way, he opens up about adversity, resilience, and his enduring dream of serving as a police officer.

Now back in his native Czech Republic with U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa, MSgt. Cafourek embodies the values of commitment, service, and sacrifice — standing as both an ambassador and an inspiration ahead of NATO Days in Ostrava, September 20-21.

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

NATO Air Policing: Guarding the Skies When It Matters Most Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

This week’s news roundup episode spotlights five stories that showcase NATO’s commitment to vigilance, unity, and airpower excellence across the Alliance.

In Poland and the Baltic region, NATO’s Air Policing mission responded swiftly to multiple airspace violations, including Russian drones and reconnaissance flights. Scrambles by Dutch, Spanish, French, and German fighters demonstrated NATO’s collective defence in action.

But first, we begin at Eindhoven Air Base in the Netherlands, where the European Air Transport Command (EATC) marked its 15th anniversary — celebrating multinational success in air mobility, air-to-air refuelling, and aeromedical evacuation across seven member nations.

Then we move to Konya Air Base in Türkiye, where NATO AWACS and Turkish aircraft teamed up for NEXUS ACE training — strengthening tactical coordination under the Tailored Assurance Measures for Türkiye.

Next, we head to Italy, where the Frecce Tricolori celebrated 65 years of precision aerobatics. Teams from six Allied and partner nations joined the air show, highlighting the operational value of aerial display teams within NATO.

Finally, in Sigonella, Italy, the NATO ISR Force celebrated its tenth anniversary — tracing its evolution from a ground surveillance program to a permanent intelligence hub supporting operations from Sicily to the High North.

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

NATO Days in Ostrava Part I — Interview with Czech Col. Michal Kudyn and retired U.S. Col. David Webb Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

NATO Days in Ostrava, in the Czech Republic, is the biggest security show in Europe, and in this special episode — part of a two-part series — we had the special privilege to chat with two important leaders organizing this exposition of NATO Airpower: Colonel (Ret.) David Webb (USAF), longtime B-52 electronic warfare officer and current North American representative for Jagello 2000, and Colonel Michal Kudyn (Czech Air Force), head of training and exercises and this year’s Display Director for NATO Days in Ostrava.

Drawing more than 200,000 visitors a year, NATO Days in Ostrava is more than just an airshow; it is a full-spectrum security display, combining air demonstrations with ground forces, air defense, armored vehicles, and even working dogs. In the episode, Colonel Kudyn and Colonel Webb share with listeners how the event has grown from a small one-day gathering in 2001 into a massive multinational showcase demonstrating collective defense.

NATO Days in Ostrava offers attendees a vivid picture of Allied security and cooperation, assuring Allied publics of their security across the 32-member Alliance. This year, Italy serves as the special partner nation, bringing the F-35 and other assets, while the Czech Air Force takes pride in hosting Allies and building new bonds. In the episode, both leaders emphasize NATO Days in Ostrava as not just a display of power, but also a platform for community engagement, education, and a reminder that the Alliance is stronger together.

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

Freedom of Navigation & Airpower — Interview with Dr. Dale Stephens Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

Straight to your email! Subscribe to our Substack to receive full text transcripts of our exclusive interviews with esteemed guests on The Allied Airpower Podcast. natoaircom.substack.com Did you know that Türkiye and the U.S. are not part of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)? How does maritime, air, and space parallel each other in terms of international law? What is Freedom of Navigation and Freedom of Maneuver anyways? And why does this matter to Airpower?In this episode, we draw on decades of experience from a career naval legal officer and academic from the University of Adelaide to help us answer these questions. Professor Dale Stephens explores how freedom of navigation and freedom of maneuver shape military and civilian activity across sea, air, and space.The discussion traces the historical roots of maritime law, from Roman claims over the Mediterranean to the Treaty of Tordesillas and Grotius’ principle of the “freedom of the seas.” The Professor explains how modern law balances state sovereignty with global trade needs.He highlights today’s challenges, including China’s South China Sea claims, security tensions in the Arctic, and air incidents involving lasers and close intercepts, showing how states push legal “grey zones” to expand control. The conversation then extends into space law, where treaties like the Outer Space Treaty set limits (e.g., banning weapons of mass destruction in orbit) but leave open questions about sovereignty, militarization, and commercialization.

Looking to the future, Dr. Stephens stresses the importance of defending the rules-based international order to prevent fragmentation into narrow national interests. He closes with a message of gratitude to NATO service members, emphasizing the honor and necessity of their sacrifice in maintaining global security.DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in The Allied Airpower Podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NATO, NATO Allied Air Command, or any national government. Any external hyperlinks or resources shared on this podcast do not constitute endorsement.

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Allied Airpower Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected