U.S. Air Forces in Europe & Air Forces Africa Public Affairs has announced that F-16C Fighting Falcons and support Airmen from the 480th Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, arrived at Kallax Air Base, Sweden, in support of Trident Juncture 2018.
Trident Juncture 2018 is the largest NATO exercise since 2015, with participation of more than 50,000 military personnel from 31 nations.
Trident Juncture 18 is partially funded by the European Deterrence initiative. EDI funding enables the United States to enhance the U.S. deterrence posture, increase the readiness and responsiveness of U.S. forces in Europe, support collective defense and security of NATO allies and bolster the security and capacity of U.S. partners. This enables faster response to any aggression by a regional adversary against the sovereign territory of a NATO ally.
The U.S. Air Force routinely rotates aircraft in and around the theater in support of operations and exercises and in full coordination with host nations, allies, and support partners. By supporting operations like Trident Juncture 18, USAFE helps strengthen the relationship the U.S. has with its NATO allies and partners.
Total around 50,000 participants (land forces: 20,000; navy personnel: 24,000 (including U.S. Marines); 3,500 air personnel; 1,000 logistics specialist; 1,300 personnel from a range of NATO commands)
• 31 nations (all 29 NATO members + Finland and Sweden)
• 250 aircraft
• 65 vessels
• 10,000+ vehicles
Trident Juncture 2018 is a NATO-led high-visibility exercise to be held in Norway. This will be the largest military exercise in Norway since the 1980s.