NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has visited Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) in Ramstein, Germany, to observe their role in safeguarding NATO airspace and supporting deterrence measures, particularly along the Alliance’s eastern flank.
During the visit on 29 January, Rutte met with Lieutenant General Jason T. Hinds, Commander of Allied Air Command, to discuss ongoing efforts to optimise NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) and Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) missions.
According to NATO, Rutte highlighted the importance of fully integrated Allied air capabilities in maintaining a credible deterrence and defence posture amid a more complex security environment.
Rutte also visited AIRCOM’s Situation Centre (SITCEN), where personnel monitor NATO airspace around the clock. NATO said he was briefed on how the command maintains the Recognised Air Picture across the Alliance, supporting timely decision-making and enabling NATO to detect, assess and respond to potential air threats.
Briefings during the visit included an update on Eastern Sentry (EASN), an enhanced vigilance activity activated in 2025 in response to airspace violations. NATO said the initiative synchronises existing deterrence and defence measures, including NATO’s Air Policing mission, alongside additional national contributions and capabilities.
NATO stated that Eastern Sentry is intended to strengthen vigilance along the entire eastern flank, and can be applied elsewhere as required. Rutte also commended AIRCOM personnel for their role in planning and overseeing the activity, NATO said, noting that NATO’s responses to previous incursions demonstrated the readiness and adaptability of Allied air power.
