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The ‘Paznic’ Detachment participates in the ‘Neptune Strike’ 24-2 enhanced surveillance activities.

In Romania,
October 29, 2024
  •  The ‘Neptune Strike’ allows Spanish F-18s to integrate with allied forces in the projection of land, naval and aerospace domains.

The F-18 aircraft of the Tactical Air Detachment (DAT in Spanish) ‘Paznic’, deployed on NATO's eastern flank air surveillance mission in Romania, are participating in exercises as part of the enhanced surveillance activity ‘Neptune Strike’ (NEST 24-2) from 28 to 31 October.

In the context of NEST 24-2 in the Black Sea area, the DAT ‘Paznic’ is participating in three multi-domain activities. The first of these consists of air-to-air combats with ground support from French Mistral anti-aircraft batteries deployed in the area and the participation of an aircraft from the Royal Air Force Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) for aerial refuelling purposes.

The second multi-domain activity is conducted alongside Italian Marina Militare F-35 aircraft and Greek Air Force Rafale aircrafts, supported by a French MRTT for aerial refuelling and the French MAMBA anti-aircraft artillery system deployed at Capu Midia in Romania, on the shores of the Black Sea.

The third activity will include the participation of US Navy F-18s, a US aerial refuelling aircraft and ground support from the French MAMBA anti-aircraft artillery system.

All in all, the capabilities of the Alliance to work in joint and multidomain operations, integrate allied forces, and directly support the allied deterrence and defence strategy on the eastern flank, are being tested.

“Neptune Strike” 24-2

The Neptune Strike 2024 demonstrates the complex integration of high-level joint maritime strike capabilities. NATO takes operational control of multiple aircraft carriers and expeditionary strike groups in support of Alliance deterrence and defence.

The participating units operate from the central Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea to the North Sea and Baltic Sea, including air operations in Central Europe to carry out air-to-ground actions in the Baltic Sea region, also with Sweden, a new NATO member. Among others, activities include amphibious landings, mine countermeasures, explosive device removal and drone defence.

In this edition, the operational event is led by NATO's Naval Strike and Support Forces (STRIKFORNATO), located in Oeiras, Portugal, and will take place from 24 to 31 October 2024. In total, about 20 surface ships and submarines, Special Forces and numerous aircraft are participating in ‘Neptune Strike’ 24-2 in different compositions with some 15,000 support personnel.

The exercise conducted by the ‘Paznic’ detachment is part of NATO's enhanced surveillance activities, which emphasise the Alliance's ability to protect its territory, guarantee freedom of navigation and ensure the protection of airspace.

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