Historic NATO Exercise Sees German Eurofighter and Tornado Jets in Japan.

For the first time in history, the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) will deploy its Eurofighter and Tornado fighter jets in Japan. This historic deployment is part of a new NATO exercise called "Pacific Skies 2024," which aims to demonstrate the strategic projection capabilities of the German Armed Forces. The exercise, involving the German, French, and Spanish Air Forces, showcases their air power and strengthens military cooperation among the participating nations.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The German deployment includes four A400M transport aircraft, eight Eurofighters, twelve Tornados, four A330 MRTT refueling aircraft, and four light utility helicopters (Picture source: Bundeswehr)

Pacific Skies 2024 features 40 Airbus military aircraft and over 1,800 military personnel who will traverse icy, desert, and tropical environments during the 58,000-kilometer journey from June 27 to August 15. The deployment includes major exercises such as Arctic Defender in Alaska, Nippon Skies in Japan, Pitch Black in Australia, and Tarang Shakti 1 in India. These exercises aim to bolster the operational capability of the participating air forces and strengthen military ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, Chief of Staff of the Luftwaffe, emphasized the importance of European presence in this strategic part of the world. He noted that the Luftwaffe is simultaneously conducting NATO air surveillance at home and in the Baltic region, underscoring their commitment to rules-based international order and stability.

The German deployment includes four A400M transport aircraft, eight Eurofighters, twelve Tornados, four A330 MRTT refueling aircraft, and four light utility helicopters. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force will contribute four F-15J fighters, accompanied by four Eurofighters and two A400M transport aircraft from the Spanish Air Force. Together, they will engage in low-altitude flights, anti-aircraft operations, defensive and offensive maneuvers, and aerial refueling with other allied countries.

The German Eurofighter fleet will split, with one group participating in combined training flights with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force during Exercise Nippon Skies. This marks the first time German Air Force fighters will participate in naval combat exercises in Japanese airspace. The Japanese Ministry of Defense emphasized that these combined maneuvers are not directed against any specific country or region, although they reflect Tokyo’s intention to use them as a deterrent against an increasingly assertive China.

For the Spanish Air and Space Force, this deployment represents an ambitious project similar to the pioneering transatlantic flights of the 1920s. Spain's contingent includes four Eurofighters, two A400Ms, one A330-200, and 240 military personnel in two rotations. Highlights for the Spanish forces include a flight over the North Pole and training with 20 different aircraft types in non-NATO environments during the Pitch Black exercise in Australia.

Pacific Skies 2024 features 40 Airbus military aircraft and over 1,800 military personnel who will traverse icy, desert, and tropical environments during the 58,000-kilometer journey from June 27 to August 15 (Picture source: Airbus)

In India, during the Tarang Shakti Phase 1 exercise, Spanish pilots will encounter Indian fighters of Russian origin, providing a unique training opportunity. Shared maintenance between German and Spanish forces for their Eurofighters and A400Ms exemplifies the interoperability and cooperation between allied nations.

The German Air Force's deployment, supported by the Multinational MRTT Unit, includes low-level flying training in Alaska, air-to-air combat exercises in Arctic Defender, and combined training flights with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force during Nippon Skies. This deployment demonstrates Germany's commitment to stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, while also maintaining NATO air surveillance at home and in the Baltic region.

The French Air and Space Force's contingent, including A400Ms, A330 MRTTs, and Rafales, will perform search and rescue missions and maintain satellite communication with headquarters in Lyon, France. Their deployment aims to be fast and agile, with aircraft carrying all necessary materials, minimizing logistical footprints.

Throughout Pacific Skies 2024, the participating air forces will engage in various training activities, including low-level flying, defensive and offensive air operations, and aerial refueling. This exercise underscores the importance of security cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific region, enhancing operational capability through shared training and expertise.