Air Defender 2023

[KevinJ]

6 F-35, 8 F-16, 22 F-15, 18 A-10 from the ANG is a more sensible number than the original estimate, still good though!

[Kurnass]

Credits to “GIPS” at scramble:
8 x F-16 USAF = 175th FS
8 x F-15 = 131st FS
6 x F-15 = 194th FS
8 x F-15 = 122nd FS
4 x A-10 = 104th FS
4 x A-10 = 107th FS
6 x A-10 = 163rd FS
4 x A-10 = 190th FS
6 x F-35 = 315th FS
2 x KC-46 = 133rd ARS

[Worldnis]

Good to see so many different units participating. With ANG F-15s participating in Frisian Flag regularly in recent years, for once we're a little spoiled with those. On the A-10s though... bring them on! In preparing for this large exercise I saw a media flurry around 122FW /163FS who are replacing their A-10s with F-16s. As posted on 122FW socials mid-January 2023 it also mentioned their last exercise with the A-10 in February. So I expect no 'IN' A-10s at Schleswig. But with 12 (Schleswig) A-10s and 6 A-10s to Lechfeld we're getting plenty of hogs to hunt down.

For the record, there were 4 ANG A-10 units left early this year (IN / MD/ ID / MI) and one AFRC A-10 unit (DP). Regular AF 4 front line (KC / FT / DM / OS) and three support/ test / training units ET / OT / WA. The FY23 Defense Authorisation Act signed last December allows the USAF to reduce the number of A-10s from 171 to 153. The 122 FW has 21 A-10s on strength.

122ND FIGHTER WING SLATED FOR F-16 CONVERSION
FORT WAYNE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ind. – The 122nd Fighter Wing (FW) has been officially approved for conversion to the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in accordance with the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA was passed by U.S. Congress and then signed into law on Dec. 23, 2022, by President Joe Biden, setting events in motion to replace the 122nd FW’s 21 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft with the F-16.

“We look forward to transitioning to the F-16 aircraft at the 122nd Fighter Wing. This newer more versatile aircraft will provide for an increase in combat capability against growing threats. The men and women of the 122nd Fighter Wing are experts at supporting, maintaining and operating fighter aircraft,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Stohler, commander of the Indiana Air National Guard. “This transition will provide them with longevity and the high probability to later upgrade to the future generation of fighter aircraft.”

[KevinJ]

There are two AFRC A-10C units with own aircraft, also the 303rd FS at Whiteman. Plus the 76th FS at Moody who share the jets with the 74th/75th FS.

The powerpoint states 18 A-10s so it may be different from the list above, I'd agree it's unlikely the Blacksnakes will deploy but you never know it could be their last swansong with the A-10?

[Apache123]

Hope some of these drop into Mildenhall or Lakenheath on the way

[Kurnass]

Latest message on Scramble says 4 US Navy Hornets will operate from Jagel

[Hornet69]

If I understand Jagel is the place to be.

[Kurnass]

If I understand Jagel is the place to be.

Jagel, and very close by, Hohn.

Another country confirmed their participation. Japan will send a Kawasaki C-2.

[luke28]

How are Jagel and Hohn for spotting?

[Kurnass]

How are Jagel and Hohn for spotting?

Usually very good. But for this exercise it seems some camps are build outside of the bases to house the participants. That might influence spotting conditions.

At Hohn both approaches are accessible, and on the south side there are multiple locations on which all of the flightlines can be seen and aircraft can be read.

For Jagel both approaches are also accessible, and shelter areas can be seen.

[luke28]

Thank you very much for that!

[KevinJ]

Just read an article that confirms the 6 VT ANG F-35s will deploy to Spangdahlem for the exercise, the 315th FS is the Active Duty associate squadron.

[sschofield]

How are Jagel and Hohn for spotting?

Usually very good. But for this exercise it seems some camps are build outside of the bases to house the participants. That might influence spotting conditions.

At Hohn both approaches are accessible, and on the south side there are multiple locations on which all of the flightlines can be seen and aircraft can be read.

For Jagel both approaches are also accessible, and shelter areas can be seen.

I've just watched this German TV report, linked on the Scramble messageboard by "Herby".

https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/schleswi ... er102.html

I don't speak German to any great degree, but I got the gist of it! Herby suggested that the "container village" to accomodate the deployed troops/airmen etc is actually at Kropp Barracks, which is a couple of km South of Jagel airfield, so potentially the Eastern approach at Jagel will be accessible.

[Kurnass]

Numbers of participating aircraft are still changing all the time, so the previously mentioned numbers are not correct at all anymore…
And to be honest, I lost track of the current status

[STN RAMP RAT]

found this over on airliners.net https://www.hlb-info.de/sites/default/f ... 3-DAEC.pdf

[slogen51]

Exercise execution 12-24 June but also seen 11-25 June on some websites

Looking like Schleswig is the place to be for fast jets in the north of Germany

Hohn - also fast jets?

Wunstorf for Air Guard C-130 and other transports

Deciding whether to drive from the UK or Fly/Drive a rental and also is it better to wait for the second week and see what actually turns up!

I guess Air Guard units will already be preparing for the crossing so they can embed in to the region.

[slogen51]

Someone mentioned to me that hotel accommodation is already at a premium in the Schleswig - Hohn area

According to scramble USN aviation is coming from CVN-78 The Ford - based at Hohn or ship based?

[KevinJ]

My guess is they'll start arriving in around 2 weeks time.

[Kurnass]

The jets will be based both at Hohn and Jagel.
F-16 and A-10 at Jagel, F-15’s at Hohn. Rumor about the USN Hornets and Growlers at Hohn.

But in about 2 weeks, most aircraft should have arrived, and the picture should be much clearer.

[Nighthawk237]

According to Scramble:
Eight F-16C of 120st FS/Colorado ANG and eight of 175th FS/South Dakota ANG, are now confirmed for Jagel.

Tanker dependent I would guess as well

P.