NATO trains air defences to destroy drones and missiles

In mid-September, Czechia, Latvia, and Slovakia joined forces for Tobruq Arrows 2024, a multinational air defence exercise held in Doupov, Czechia.

The exercise focused on combining the air defence capabilities of the three NATO allies to enhance readiness against airborne threats such as missiles and drones.

The live-fire drills were a key component, including both day and night operations, allowing participants to test their ability to acquire and intercept targets in real combat-like conditions.

Lieutenant Colonel Petr Řezníček, commander of the Czech Air Defence Missile Battalion, emphasised the importance of live-fire exercises in ensuring operational readiness: “Only live firing allows us to verify the readiness of our personnel and their ability to effectively engage targets.”

Under the tactical scenario of Tobruq Arrows, air defence units engaged simulated enemy aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones, while also testing the data flow and command structures from battalion command to individual firing units.

The exercise included a range of air defence systems, with Czech and Latvian crews operating the RBS-70 and RBS-70NG weapon systems to intercept unmanned aerial vehicles, while Slovak forces utilised man-portable IGLA infrared homing systems against flares.

The real-world missile launches, which reach speeds of up to Mach 2, provided critical training that simulated the stress and precision required in live combat environments.

In addition to the live firing, the air defence crews practiced airlifting their systems using Czech Air Force Mi-17 helicopters, further enhancing their tactical mobility.

“We are training more and more often with helicopter units because mobility turns to be key in contemporary conflicts,” explained Lieutenant Colonel Řezníček, highlighting the importance of quick deployment in rugged terrain.

Tobruq Arrows 2024 also strengthened cooperation between the NATO allies, particularly through the creation of a combined Czech-Latvian unit. “This helped us mutually to harmonise our operating procedures, enhancing our readiness to defend our airspace together,” concluded Lieutenant Colonel Řezníček.