What Happened
US-Led Alliance Stages Large Air Exercise Along Northeastern Flank
In a significant show of force, NATO conducted a large air exercise along its northeastern flank, with a dense package of allied aircraft flying combat-strike, tanker, airborne-radar, and electronic-warfare missions near Kaliningrad. The exercise, led by the United States, involved an estimated 25-50 aircraft, including the debut operational mission of the US Air Force’s EA-37B Compass Call electronic-warfare jet. According to officials, the exercise was routine training, but its timing coincides with increased tensions and warnings about Russia’s military activities. This development was reported by various sources, including Stars and Stripes and The War Zone.