U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa
May 19, 2023

Exercise Astral Knight to take place 22-27 May in Balkans

United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Airmen and aircraft from across the U.S. and throughout the European theater have begun arriving in Croatia and Albania to prepare for Astral Knight 2023, U.S. European Command’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense capstone exercise.

The exercise will expand NATO’s ability to perform rescue operations in a complex and degraded environment….

Participating U.S. aircraft include the HH-60 Pave Hawk, HC-130 Hercules, and A-10 Warthogs as well as aircraft and ships from both Albanian and Croatian militaries.

***

This exercise aims to enhance command and control integration, coordination and operational readiness across all domains (air, land, sea, cyber, and space). This is paramount to partnerships, crisis response, deterrence, and support to Allies and Partners.

Photo: U.S. Air Force.