Summary and Key Points: In a significant demonstration of international military cooperation, Germany, France, and Spain have deployed more than sixty combat aircraft and approximately 2,000 personnel to the Indo-Pacific region from June to August.

-This deployment, part of the Pacific Skies 24 and Arctic Defender exercises, involves collaboration with U.S. Air Force and Navy assets and includes stops in Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, Japan, and India.

-The European forces, comprising German Panavia Tornado and Eurofighter Typhoon jets, French Dassault Rafale fighters, and A400M transport aircraft, will participate in large-scale exercises like Pacific Rim 24. This move highlights the commitment of key NATO allies to counter the potential threat of a near-peer conflict with China and strengthens diplomatic ties and interoperability with U.S. allies in the region.

NATO Allies Join US Forces in Indo-Pacific Exercises Against China Threat

German, French, and Spanish fighter jets are currently operating in the Indo-Pacific in a move full of meaning.

From June to August, dozens of European aircraft will be taking part in several exercises in the Indo-Pacific alongside U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets.

With the threat of a near-peer conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific always on the table, the fact that key NATO allies are sending dozens of combat aircraft thousands of miles away from their home bases shows a willingness to contribute to a potential war.

Europe Is Here

In total, the three European countries are sending more than sixty combat aircraft from twelve units, as well as approximately 2,000 pilots, maintainers, and support staff.

In addition to Alaska and Hawaii, the three European nations will visit Australia, Japan, and India and participate in several large-scale exercises, including Pacific Rim 24, the largest international maritime exercise in the world.

“As part of a monthslong exercise tour in the Indo-Pacific, known as Pacific Skies 24, Arctic Defender is the first stop for the trinational Future Combat Air System of Germany, France and Spain, and is a field training exercise for U.S. and international forces flown under simulated air combat conditions,” the U.S. Air Force said in a press release.

In terms of types of aircraft, the European deployment includes twelve German Panavia Tornado fighter jets, twelve Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets (eight German and four Spanish), nine A400M transport aircraft (four German, three French, and two Spanish), seven A330 MRRT mutlirole air tankers, four French F3R Dassault Rafale fighter jets, and four German H145M helicopters.

“With Pacific Skies 24, we as Europeans show our face in a part of the world that is so important to all of us. Together with Spain and France, we are deploying to the Indo-Pacific region and taking part in five different exercises,” Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz, the chief of the German Air Force, said in a press release.

Besides the interoperability and logistical value of the training, the deployment of French, German, and Spanish aircraft is also a great diplomatic gain for the United States and its allies in the region.

One of the best deterrents that the United States has against Beijing is America’s alliances and partnerships, not only in the Indo-Pacific but around the world. Communist China might be on the rise economically and militarily, but its totalitarian approach doesn’t endear many to Beijing.

It is one thing to go to war against one country and a completely different thing to engage in conflict with a block of countries that could number over forty (NATO’s thirty-two members plus U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region like Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and New Zealand).

The powerful European deployment in the Indo-Pacific comes at an important point. With the world’s attention fixed on Ukraine and Gaza, Taiwan is more exposed to a surprise Chinese invasion that could spiral out of control.

About the Author:

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

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