NATO allies are intensifying their preparations for potential conflict through the multinational exercise Ample Strike 2024 (AMSE24), running from 2 to 20 September.
With approximately 500 participants, including 200 international personnel, the exercise aims to sharpen Close Air Support (CAS) skills critical for modern warfare.
As tensions in Eastern Europe persist, this year’s AMSE24 highlights the importance of air-ground integration in ensuring operational readiness. The exercise will take place across various Czech military installations, providing realistic scenarios for the participating nations.
Colonel Michal Kudyn, the exercise director, stated, “From a Czech perspective, we have two more firsts this year.” This includes deploying and operating Czech Air Force L-159 ALCA jets from a civilian airport, say the Alliance in the news release.
The training involves Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) from various nations, including Belgium, Denmark, and the United States, who will hone their skills to direct air strikes and manage various aircraft effectively. This is crucial in the current context where the need for precise and timely air support is paramount.
The exercise features an array of aircraft, including Czech L-159 jets, German Eurofighters, and Romanian IAR-330 Puma helicopters. Additionally, the Texas Air National Guard will operate MQ-9 Reaper drones, enhancing the realism of the training scenarios. Colonel Kudyn remarked, “A multinational Allied exercise is always an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our Host Nation Support capability.”
Since 2014, the Czech Republic has hosted Ample Strike exercises annually, building a strong reputation for providing NATO forces with vital CAS training.
Don’t just practice it, deploy it to stop the Russians in UKR.