NATO conducts largest-ever air defense exercise amidst Ukraine conflict.

NATO's Air Defender 23, the biggest military exercise since its formation in 1949, will begin on June 12 in Germany, with 25 countries participating and up to 250 aircraft stationed across six military bases. The exercise will include ground-based drills, airborne battles against enemy jets, and the interception of medium-range missiles by NATO fighter bombers. The US alone is sending 100 aircraft across the Atlantic, including the F-35 stealth combat aircraft. The exercise aims to send a political message of deterrence, and while many in Europe think of Russia as the "enemy," Lt. Gen. Gerhartz did not mention Russia when presenting the plans.