US-Europe World Affairs

With the participation of a large number of NATO allies and partner nations’ heads of state, representatives, the official from defense and diplomatic ministries, various media and organizations, the NATO summit this year took place from June 24-25 in The Hague, The Netherlands.

An exclusive interview with Hon. General James B. Hecker Commander Allied Air Command, conducted by Editor in Chief, Catherine S. Schmidt

General James B. Hecker is Commander, Allied Air Command headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany; and Director, Joint Air Power Competence Centre at Kalkar, Germany.

In his capacity as Commander, Allied Air Command, General Hecker is responsible to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe for the Air and Missile Defence of NATO Alliance member nations during peacetime operations. His command ensures the preservation of Alliance territorial integrity from Northern Norway to Southern Italy and from the Azores to Eastern Türkiye, including every European NATO nation. Furthermore, in the  event of a joint NATO operation he is the responsible commander of the Air Component.

General Hecker is also Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa. In this capacity, he commands U.S. airpower across more than 19 million square miles. This area also includes 104 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, possesses more than a quarter of the world’s population, and generates more than a quarter of the world’s gross domestic product.

Honorable General, it’s a great privilege and real honor to have this interview with you. Thank you for your time Sir. 

With your permission I start the first question about the the multinational live-fly Exercise INIOCHOS 24, which took place at Andravida Air Base in Greece from April 8 to April 18, 2024.  What were the main objectives of this exercise?

Hon. Gen. James B. Hecker:  Exercise INIOCHOS 24 offered a great opportunity for participants to fly complex missions, specifically designed to enhance interoperability and increase combat readiness. During the exercise, we covered the full spectrum of air operations including Air Power Contribution to Counter-Land and Maritime Operations and Combat Search and Rescue. Both offering live flying during composite air operations or COMAOs and using the Hellenic Air Force’s F-16 Tactical Simulators greatly enhanced achieving the participants’ training objectives. Participating crews (from Host Nation Greece and NATO members France, Montenegro, Romania, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and non-NATO members Cyprus, and Qatar) operated in a simulated complex and congested air environment with multiple modern threats and real-time live injects specially designed to enhance interoperability and increase combat readiness, building a stronger and more agile Alliance.                     Continue to read the interview 

Special Edition Interview with NATO Allied Maritime Command Spokesperson, conducted by Editor in Chief, Catherine S. Schmidt

Q 1: Could you please walk us through the landscape of Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) – the structure, the missions, and the importance of MARCOM’s Maritime Security, 360° Deterrence and Defence at Sea?

NATO Allied Maritime Command Spokesperson: NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) is the central command of all NATO’s standing maritime forces. The Commander of MARCOM is the principal maritime advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and for a decade we have been the sole Maritime Component Command for the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

Located in Northwood, United Kingdom, MARCOM is a multinational headquarters manned by over 400 officers, petty officers and civilians from NATO countries and representatives from NATO partner nations.  MARCOM’s area of responsibility ranges from the Arctic, to the North Atlantic, to the Baltic, Mediterranean and Black Seas.

There are four permanent Task Groups under its command – Standing NATO Maritime Group One and Two (SNMG1 and SNMG2) and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One and Two (SNMCMG1 and SNMCMG2). These four Maritime Groups are NATO’s integrated maritime force, made up of Allied Nations’ contributions. Under continuous full NATO operational command, these warships are assigned a variety of tasks; from compiling and maintaining a comprehensive maritime picture and situational awareness, to operational missions and and vigilance activities to ensure Alliance readiness to respond if needed.

In addition, under Operation Sea Guardian, an operation that has been stood up to enhance security in the Mediterranean, MARCOM is contributing to capacity building for partner nations and conducts six focused operations each year with a specific focus on areas of interest in the Mediterranean Sea.

                               Continue to read the interview 

Special Edition Interview with the NATO Allied Air Command Spokesperson conducted by Editor in Chief Catherine S. Schmidt

Q: What is the role of Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) and its position and response to the Russian war in Ukraine?

NATO Allied Air Command Spokesperson: While not a party to the war that Russia is waging in Ukraine, NATO stands united and in full solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine in the defence of their country. NATO nations are providing unprecedented support to help Ukraine uphold its right to self-defence, which is enshrined in the UN Charter. NATO has made clear that it will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. At the same time NATO remains vigilant, calm and closely coordinated, and will always do what is necessary to protect and defend all Allies.

Interview with the NATO Air Command Spokesman, conducted by Editor in Chief, Catherine S. Schmidt

Sir, we are delighted to have the occasion of this interview with you. Thank you very much indeed for accepting our invitation.

Q: 1 Could you please tell us about the historical formation and the current architecture of NATO Air Command. 

  NATO Air Command spokesman: Headquarters Allied Air Command is located at Ramstein, Germany, within Ramstein Air Force Base, which has been home to a NATO Airpower headquarters since 1974. The headquarters is responsible for planning, exercising and executing Integrated Air and Missile Defence Operations within NATO’s European area of responsibility from peacetime through to conflict. The Headquarters includes the Operations Centre for Air Policing, Ballistic Missile Defence and operational control of NATO’s Airborne Early Warning and Control Force as well as for NATO’s Alliance Ground Surveillance Force. The Headquarters can also host a Joint Force Air Component to command and control allied air operations during crisis and conflict. More than five hundred dedicated military and civilian personnel, increasing to some 620 in support of the adapted structure, serve at the Headquarters, representing 25 NATO member nations. The staff is permanently augmented by representatives from three of NATO’s partner nations, Sweden, Finland and Azerbaijan. Subordinate units to the Headquarters are the two Combined Air Operations Centres at Uedem, Germany and Torrejón, Spain as well as the Deployable Air Command and Control Centre at Poggio Renatico, Italy.

Contributed by NATO Military Official

NATO is supporting the evacuation and relocation of Afghans. Elements of the NATO Response Force (NRF), commanded by Admiral Robert P. Burke (US Navy), are leading the operation and providing care, security, processing and accommodation for the Afghan evacuees.   

The NRF has robust command and control capability, ideal for a mission of this size and complexity. It provides collective defence and a rapid military response in times of crisis, but it can also perform peace-support operations, provide protection to critical infrastructure, and support disaster relief. The NRF is regularly exercised, for instance during exercise Steadfast Defender 21 earlier this year, exercise Noble Jump 19 and exercise Trident Juncture 18. 

The core element of the NRF in this operation is the Joint Logistics Support Group Naples (JLSG) that forms Task Force Noble.

More than 20 Allied nations are contributing, providing transportation aircraft, construction equipment, ambulances, medical teams, civil affairs teams and security personnel.

Around 300 NRF troops are deployed in temporary locations hosting Afghan evacuees. We are working closely with Poland and institutions in Kosovo, who have agreed to temporarily host the evacuees.  There are also hundreds of NATO personnel supporting the operation from our commands and headquarters. For instance, NATO’s Allied Air Command, based in Ramstein, Germany, has been critical to this effort, providing transportation aircraft and crews.  

We are committed to ensure a safe and compassionate transfer of the Afghan evacuees, through a series of temporary locations and on to resettlement. It is a huge effort, and Allies and partners are coming together to make it happen as quickly as possible. At this point, it is too soon to know how long the operation will take.

Atlantic Resolve is the continuation of U.S-led measure which began in 2014 under the Department of Defense ‘European Deterrence Initiative’ to enhance NATO military capacities.

“The United States is demonstrating to NATO allies and the world its continued commitment to peace, security and stability in Europe.” highlighted the Department of Defense on the importance of the Atlantic Resolve 

This year as well  the operation continues to execute series of bilateral and multilateral training in different parts of Europe with the participation of the armed-forces from most European States including: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and the United Kingdom.                                                                                                       Indicated by U.S Army Europe and Africa, 7000 soldiers from U.S are assigned on rotational deployment to Europe as a part of Atlantic Resolve.

“U.S. Army Europe’s Operation Atlantic Resolve demonstrates continued U.S. commitment to collective security. This reassures NATO allies and partners of America’s dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region following Russia’s intervention in Ukraine.” described the U.S Army in 2017

“Deterrence requires ready and capable allies in Europe, which is why we have enhanced the frequency and complexity of exercises with NATO allies and partners, while augmenting the U.S. air, ground, and naval presence in the region.

The U.S.-European strategic partnership is built on a foundation of shared values and common experience, and we build on that foundation with a robust training and exercise plan.” announced the White House in 2016

Acknowledgments: the Infographic of Atlantic Resolve 2021©U.S. Army Europe and Africa. Sources: DoD, U.S Army, U.S Army Europe and Africa. Article by Editor in Chief, Catherine S. Schmidt.

                                      View the article 

Indeed, at the end March 2021, NATO completed a tactical evaluation of the Belgian air combat capability, flying F-16. This process started in 2019 but due to COVID-19, we experienced some inevitable delays.

NATO’s Readiness Forces are one of the cornerstones in the Alliance’s Deterrence and Security Policy and thus an important pillar of collective defence, one of NATO’s core tasks. By meeting NATO’s evaluation standards, we demonstrated our Air Force’s ability to operate at par with our Allies, supporting the Alliance, contributing to its readiness forces and other engagements such as Baltic Air Policing.

Apart from our Air Force, Belgium also provides maritime capabilities for NATO’s Standing Naval Forces and Land Forces for NRF and engagements such as enhanced Forward Presence. Such contributions are a clear sign of our willingness to take on our responsibility and share the burden regarding collective defence. It is a testimony of our commitment to the Alliance, our solidarity with our Allies and our reliability.

In order to remain relevant, keeping up with technological evolutions, Belgium invested in the replacement of its major combat platforms such as our air combat capability. As from 2023, the F-16 fleet will transition to F-35 over a period of five years. The same process is planned for regarding the replacement of our land combat vehicles, air transport capability, frigates and mine hunting vessels, albeit each within its own time frame. Although these transitions are very challenging, we will of course respect our operational commitments to NATO and our level of readiness. 

Interview with the Belgian Chief of Defence Hon. Admiral Michel Hofman, conducted by Editor in Chief, Catherine S. Schmidt

Hon. Admiral we are profoundly honored to have this special occasion with you. Thank you very much for accepting our invitation.

Q: 1 I would like to start the first question with the comprehensive view of the Belgian Armed Forces. Could you please tell us about Belgium’s strategic interests and engagements in the overseas missions.

The effective engagements of the Belgian Defence are situated in the framework of deterrence and collective defence, collective security, the protection of the Belgian citizens and interests abroad, and the assistance on the national territory in case of crises or emergencies. The objective is to remain a reliable and important partner within the UN, the EU and  NATO. As a small country in the centre of Europe and in the strong conviction of the complementarity between the European approach and NATO’s role, Belgium continues to promote multilateralism and the integrated approach of the European Union.

When it comes to deterrence and collective defence, it goes without saying that we ensure a fair contribution to the NATO Readiness Action Plan with engagements on the eastern flank of the alliance. Belgian Defence is among others present with ground forces embedded in a German Battle Group in Lithuania, we have a long tradition of contributing to the Air policing Mission in the Baltic States and  to the NATO’s Defence Capacity Building (DCB) projects in countries on the eastern flank. Furthermore, Belgium continuous to contribute to the NATO Response Forces, the Readiness Initiative and the Standing NATO Maritime and Mine Counter Measure Groups.  By taking up its responsibility, Belgium wants to remain a reliable partner within NATO.

Q 1: The first question is about Denmark’s leadership in NATO, and the military concept of  ‘Denmark’s Security is deeply rooted in NATO’ proclaimed by Danish Ministry of Defence. Please give us a panoramic view of Denmark’s leadership in NATO and what this concept means for the role and commitments that Denmark holds in the Transatlantic security and defence.

Thank you, it is always a pleasure to talk about the importance of NATO and this is a great opportunity to create awareness about Denmark’s work and active role within NATO.

Denmark’s security is indeed deeply rooted in NATO, and for the past 72 years NATO has been the cornerstone of Danish defence and security policy. We have continuously contributed to the adaption of NATO to fit the world’s ever changing challenges, all resulting in maintaining NATO as the world’s most successful alliance. NATO is a central platform for foreign-, security- and defence consultations among allies on both sides of the Atlantic, and under American leadership the Alliance has ensured peace in the Euro-Atlantic area allowing the people of Denmark to prosper in a free and open society.

We are a small country, and we cannot face our security challenges alone. NATO is the guarantor of our security and by virtue of its role as a value-based organisation the guarantor of our way of life.

In 1949, NATO was founded on the same principles and values as we stand for today, and it is essential for Denmark together with allies  and other like-minded countries to uphold and protect our values such as democracy, individual freedom, and the rule of law as laid out in NATO’s founding Washington treaty.

Safeguarding the rules-based international order is also important for the Alliance. This is why NATOis currently working on the forward-looking agenda NATO2030. We see a fundamental shift in the global balance of power, and NATO needs to be fit to match the derived consequences as well as the challenges that persist. Euro-Atlantic security depends on strong transatlantic bonds and we are therefore looking forward to this year’s summit and to recommitting to our special bond and shared values. 

NATO 2030 and the upcoming summit comes at a pivotal moment for the Alliance. The current security environment is both complex, unpredictable, and the most challenging since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Systemic competition with countries that do not share our democratic values and undermine the rules-based international order as well as terrorism, disinformation campaigns, cyber attacks and climate change all require constant adaptation and agility. Consequently, Denmark has actively sought to respond through the Alliance by continuously increasing our shared focus on the capabilities required by NATO to maintain our collective deterrence and defence.  

Denmark has contributed substantially to NATO operations and missions throughout the years, including through the command of NATO Mission Iraq, the present contribution to NATO’s missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo, and regular contributions to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in the Baltic Sea Region and NATO Air Policing. Denmark has been ready to contribute, also, to difficult operations and missions to the benefit of Allied security. I believe that our contributions and continuous engagement has given us the reputation as a constructive and capable ally.

                      Continue to read the interview 

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg traveled to U.S, and met with President Donald Trump on April 12.  During this meeting President Trump reassured NATO of the United States’ unwavering commitment and the continuation of supports

Press conference by President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. April 12 2017 © NATO Press Office

The two leaders also discussed a wide scope of subjects covering: Syria, Iraq, defeating ISIS, other  International security issues, and the up coming NATO summit in its headquarters Brussels in May.

Excerpts from President Trump’s remarks in the joint press conference:

“Sixty-eight years ago this month, not far from where we are gathered today, President Harry Truman spoke at the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty. In the nearly seven decades since Harry Truman spoke those words, the NATO alliance has been the bulwark of international peace and security.”

“NATO allies defeated communism and liberated the captive nations of the Cold War. They secured the longest period of unbroken peace that Europe has ever known. This enduring partnership is rooted out of so many different things, but our common security is always number one, and our common devotion to Human dignity and Freedom.”  

Secretary general, I’m honored to have you here today and to reaffirm our commitment to this alliance and to the enduring values that we proudly — and I mean very proudly — share.”  April 12, 2017 ©NATO Press Office

Excerpts from NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg’s remarks in the joint press conference:

“Thank you so much, Mr. President. We just had an excellent and very productive meeting. And it’s really an honor to meet you for the first time, here in the White House.

We agree that NATO is a bedrock of security both for Europe and for the United States.  Two World Wars and a Cold War have taught us all that peace in Europe is not only important for Europeans, but is also important for the prosperity and the security of North America. 

So a strong NATO is good for Europe, but a strong NATO is also good for the United States.  And therefore I welcome the very strong commitment of the United States to the security of Europe.                 We see this commitment not only in words but also in deeds.

So Mr. President, thank you once again. I look forward to working with you to keeping the Alliance strong.”  April 12, 2017 © NATO Press Office

Addition: NATO Secretary General Stoltenbergin a town hall meeting at George Washington University’s Elliott School.

Continue to read the article 

The Italian Air Force has re-assumed for the second time NATO Air Policing Operation, leading the mission from mid March until mid April 2017.

The Operation is formulated to ensure the security and integrity of NATO member’s Airspace, to increase the interoperability and integration of Iceland’s Air Force with the NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense System.

“This joined Aerial defense in the Iceland  is a clear example of rational management and sharing of the available resources among NATO member States.”  Elaborated General Claudio Graziano, Chief of Italian Defense March 7, 2017 © Italian MoD 

Described by the Italian Ministry of Defense:                                                The Air Force has deployed six Eurofighter to the operation and its task will be to ensure the security surveillance of Iceland Airspace until mid-April, while conducting joint Training activities with the local Coast Guard.