Was the 10-day JPOW useful if no attacks were allowed? “By moving your systems, you can make it clear to the enemy that you see what they are doing,” explains exercise leader Brigadier General Peter Gielen. “This contributes to deterrence, which is meant to help prevent war.”
In the scenario, however, war did occur. It incorporated what has happened in Ukraine in recent years. The participants faced air threats from drones to cruise missiles. Therefore, action was still required, as it was necessary to disable the projectiles before they hit their targets.
New Participants
In addition to air defense units from various countries, international organizations also participated. These included the Joint Forces Air Command and the headquarters of the German-Dutch Army Corps. Furthermore, civilian parties participated, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the German Civil Protection. They contributed ideas on what should happen in the crisis phase, for example, if ballistic missiles threaten to strike somewhere despite the defense.
The Swedes and Finns were also able to actually connect their systems in this edition of JPOW. They were very enthusiastic about the cooperation that JPOW offers for the defense of the alliance. Gielen agreed and stated that they are ‘on track’ with the international air defense community. “If we look at how the scenario was responded to, we can conclude that we were already well on our way in previous editions.”
He immediately added that this is a simulated exercise. “Virtually, we have infinite amounts of ammunition and systems. But strengthening those capabilities is necessary to truly get NATOs integrated air defense in order.”