From 12-23 June 2023, the largest air force deployment exercise in NATO’s history took place. Twenty-five nations participated in the exercise, with around 10,000 personnel and 250 aircraft. During AD2023 there were three main hubs in Germany: Schleswig/Hohn, Wunstorf and Lechfeld. This report focusses on the operations out of Schleswig-Jagel Air Base.

Used bases
Schleswig-Jagel and Hohn were used for the participants that operated in exercise area COMAO 1 and 3, which were the eastern and the northern air space. Aircraft stationed at Lechfeld were tasked for operations in COMAO 2, which was in the south of Germany. Wunstorf was home of all the transportation aircraft, that flew mission between all the bases used in the exercise. Additional aircraft flew from other bases, like Geilenkirchen, Laage, Neuburg Ramstein and Spangdahlem (Germany), Prestwick (United Kingdom), Volkel (The Netherlands) and Čáslav (Czech Republic).

Schleswig Air Base
Schleswig was the temporary home of the following participants:
– Colorado Air National Guard with seven F-16Cs (six with tail code CO and one with tail code AL from its former unit with the Alabama Air National Guard;
– South Dakota Air National Guard with seven F-16Cs;
– Michigan Air National Guard with six A-10Cs;
– Maryland Air National Guard with six A-10Cs;
– Hungarian Air Force with four JAS-39Cs and one JAS-39D;
– Turkish Air Force with three F-16s.

The local based Tornado aircraft frow “Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 51” also flew missions during the exercise.

Great photo opportunities
Schleswig Air Base offers great photo opportunities but not as good as Hohn Air Base. The West side provides the best opportunities, especially during sundown in the evening. Many military enthusiasts grabbed this opportunity to watch the operations of aircraft that are not often seen in the skies over Europe. The local hotels and restaurants were very happy with all the military personnel and tourist that stayed in the area.