In mid-March 2026, NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) conducted a targeted Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) exercise in Romania as part of the enhanced multi-domain Vigilance Activity (eVA) “Eastern Sentry”. Designed to strengthen deterrence and enhance operational readiness along the eastern flank of NATO, the training was carried out as a Flexible Deterrent Option (FDO).
The focus of the IAMD exercise was high-end interoperability and multi-domain integration, combining air and surface-based assets with advanced command-and-control systems. The main objective of the exercise was to refine Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) tactics, thereby ensuring that NATO remains prepared to counter evolving aerial threats in a complex security environment.
“Eastern Sentry is a robust enhanced vigilance activity that operationally models the future of NATO’s air defence posture,” said Deputy Chief of Staff Operations at NATO Allied Air Command, US Brigadier General Kevin Jamieson. “The activities executed this week showcase the full spectrum of NATO’s deterrent and defensive capabilities, securing our eastern flank and strengthening our posture through persistent presence.”
Romania, as the host nation of the exercise, deployed its F-16 fighter jets and Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles, supplemented by the CHIRON air defence system. They were joined by F-16s from Greece and Türkiye, as well as the MISTRAL air defence system from France, complementing the short-range, low-altitude air defence capabilities within the NATO airspace. Critical mission support was provided by E-3 Sentry aircraft of the NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), which delivered essential situational awareness and coordination. Overall control of the mission was in the hands of the Combined Air Operation Centre Uedem (CAOCU), which ensured seamless integration between airborne and surface-based components, thus enabling a faster decision-making process.
The Integrated Air and Missile Defence exercise involved a substantial multinational presence, effectively incorporating a streamlined combination of assets to achieve the mission objectives. Through this activity, NATO demonstrated its capability to operate as a cohesive defensive force.
As stated in the official NATO press release, the series of the Flexible Deterrent Option exercises is, consequently, a clear indicator of the ongoing success of the Eastern Sentry mission. Progress within this strategic framework is effective, and provides a solid and evolving shield that ensures the security of the Alliance’s territory through constant vigilance and rapid response. This guarantees persistent and credible defensive position, emphasised the NATO authorities.
Photos: Turkish F-16s prepare to launch as part of an FDO mission whose primary objective was the refinement of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) tactics. The exercise featured a robust multinational footprint, utilizing an efficient and streamlined mix of assets in support of eVA Eastern Sentry. Photos courtesy of the Turkish Air Force.
Press materials of the Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office were used.
