NATO Allied Air Command
June 28, 2022

NATO deployable control unit supports Turkish-led live-fly exercise Anatolian Eagle 22

From June 20 to 28, the deployed NATO surveillance and control unit DARS [Deployable Air Command and Control Centre] is supporting the Turkish-led multinational tactical live-fly training exercise Anatolian Eagle 22 (AE 22) at Konya Air Base, Türkiye.

The Turkish national exercise is hosted by 3rd Main Jet Base at Konya Air Base with international participation from NATO member United Kingdom and NATO E-3A aircraft as well as Partner nations Azerbaijan, Jordan and Pakistan is running from June 20 to July 1, 2022. During the first week, the DARS is linked with the Turkish control network and providing control of fighter operations within the framework of its deployment exercise Ramstein Dust-II/2022 (RADU-II/22).

Since 2001, the AE exercise series has been hosted by Türkiye with international participation from Allied and Partner air forces. Similar to the Red Flag exercises in the United States, participants fly realistic combined joint missions conducting complex Composite Air Operations or COMAOs that involve offensive air and defensive ground portions; our goal is to provide first-class training that increases participants’ readiness and ability to operate in a coalition scenario.

“AE 22 enhances the operational capabilities of NATO’s DARS within the overall framework of NATO Air Command & Control,” said RADU-II/22 Exercise Director, German Air Force Colonel Jörg Sieratzki. “The link between RADU-ll/22 and AE 22 integrates participating forces, command and control, and scenario. My team are fully integrated with the multinational joint LIVEX scenario through Air Mission Control, Air Surveillance, and Battle Management to enhance our skills in support of NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence Posture.

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NATO’s Deployable Air Command and Control Centre (DACCC) at Poggio Renatico, Italy, deploys its DARS element regularly within Italy and abroad in support of air operations and multinational exercises. “This practical experience to deploy, set up and conduct air surveillance and control and integrate with NATO’s command and control network while deployed is a major component of the DARS’ training cycle,” added Colonel Sieratzki.

Anatolian Eagle Commander, Turkish Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Turgay Tümer underlined:” The participation of DACCC in Anatolian Eagle is a great example of NATO collaboration. We are pleased to host DACCC personnel here.”