The Allied Airpower Podcast

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NATO Allies practise beach landings, enhancing Agile Combat Employment Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we explore how NATO Allies are showcasing Airpower, strengthening deterrence, and adapting to new operational challenges across Europe.

First, we head to Latvia, where Hungarian and Swedish JAS-thirty-nine Gripens joined U.S. Air Force B-one-B Lancer bombers for a formation flyover above Riga’s famous Monument of Freedom. The mission highlighted NATO’s ability to integrate advanced aircraft and demonstrated transatlantic unity on the Alliance’s eastern flank.

Next, we shift north to Iceland, where the Belgian Air Force has taken over NATO’s Air Policing mission from Spain. For the first time, Belgium deployed F-16s to Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, working alongside the Icelandic Coast Guard and NATO controllers to safeguard Arctic skies and maintain quick reaction alert until mid-September.

Finally, we head to Denmark’s Lakolk Beach, where a Norwegian C-130J Super touched down on sand for the first time. This milestone event was part of Agile Combat Employment training, proving that Allied aircrews can operate from unconventional surfaces like beaches and highways when traditional runways aren’t available.

From Bomber Task force integration, to safeguarding remote airspace, to landing heavy aircraft on sand. The message is clear: the Alliance is ready to respond anytime, anywhere.

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

Spanish Hornets on Iceland Air Policing Escort U.S. B-1Bs to Norway Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we explore three stories that underscore NATO’s cooperation, innovation, and readiness across the Alliance.

We begin in Belgrade, where NATO’s Mobile Training Team partnered with the Serbian Air Force to strengthen air operational planning skills under the Partnership for Peace programme.

Then we move to Pápa Air Base in Hungary, where the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force conducted its first-ever diversion recovery training using advanced Virtual Reality technology to prepare multinational crews for critical aircraft recovery scenarios.

Finally, we head north, from Iceland to Norway, where U.S. B-1B Lancer bombers integrated with Spanish EF/A-18M Hornets on Air Policing duty. The U.S. B-1B Lancers were on their way to Ørland Air Base, Norway to further train and integrate with Norwegian F-35s in this iteration of the U.S.’ Bomber Task Force deployment, honing skills for high-threat air operations and refining skills in the find, fix, track and target process.

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

29 July - 5 Aug: NATO Air Policing rotations ensure sustained vigilance Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we cover NATO’s ongoing air policing efforts across Europe as multiple nations rotate responsibilities in the Baltic and Black Sea regions. Germany takes over from Italy at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base in Romania, deploying Eurofighter Typhoons to support NATO’s southeastern flank. In Estonia, Italy assumes Baltic Air Policing duties from Portugal, whose detachment completed a robust deployment with over 400 flight hours and participation in numerous multinational exercises.

Meanwhile, Hungary and Spain have deployed to Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania, replacing the Romanian and Polish detachments. These rotations bring Hungarian Gripens and Spanish Eurofighter Typhoons to the front lines of NATO’s Baltic mission. Spain also expands its commitment with EF/A-18M Hornets in Iceland. The outgoing Polish and Romanian units are recognized for their joint training achievements and community engagement, exemplifying the strength of NATO interoperability.

This episode highlights the Alliance’s seamless coordination, sustained vigilance, and enduring unity across its eastern airspace.

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

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