Overview

• The two-week exercise will bring together 71 aircraft from 14 allied nations under Dutch lead starting Monday.
• Most flying will occur over the North Sea, supported from bases at Volkel, Kleine Brogel, RAF Lakenheath and Skrydstrup.
• Alliance officials stress no live nuclear weapons will be used and describe the event as routine and not directed at any country.
• This year’s training places added emphasis on protecting nuclear assets on the ground, including countering drone threats.
• The United States is supplying F-35s and refueling and support aircraft, Finland and Poland are sending fighter jets, and Sweden will join for the first time with Gripens in a conventional support role.