NATO Air Forces Conduct Aerial Combat Drills Over Estonia

This week Czech Gripen fighter pilots also practice air-to-air refueling with an A-330 tanker.

Friday, February 16, 2024 at 01:33 PM ET

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Polish F-16 fighters are joined by French Mirage 2000-5 fighters and conduct aerial combat maneuvers, also known as "2v2 drills." [Courtesy: NATO/Arnaud Chamberlin]

Key Takeaways:

NATO allied air forces conducted various aerial exercises in Europe this week, focusing on aerial combat drills, close formation flights, and air-to-air refueling.
These drills come amidst warnings from Estonia that NATO's eastern flank faces potential conflict with Russia within the next decade, emphasizing the need to strengthen defenses.
Specific training included French and Polish aircrews performing 2v2 combat maneuvers over Estonia and Czech Air Force pilots practicing critical dry-refueling procedures with a multinational tanker to extend operational range.

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NATO allied air forces practiced refueling, close formation flights, and aerial combat drills in Europe this week.

The training comes as more warnings emerged that NATO’s eastern flank faces potential conflict with Russia within the next decade. Speaking this week in Poland, Estonia Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that allied forces have about three or four years to strengthen its defenses before Russia prepares a “test for NATO,” the Associated Press reported. Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia are thought to be potential targets should Russia attempt an attack on an allied country.