A look at the Defence news 8 – 14 March

Even the COVID-19 crisis could not stop the international air and missile defence exercise Joint Project Optic Windmill 21 (JPOW21) from going ahead. Technological developments have led to an increased airborne threat, warranting this type of exercise in which 8 countries are taking part from various locations. The organisation, coordination and the majority of the physical activities are taking place at the Vredepeel barracks. This is the home base of the Netherlands Ground-based Air Defence Command. JPOW is simultaneously being conducted from 14 other locations in Europe and the United States via links to the JPOW network. Dozens of military units and staffs are involved in the exercise, which will run until 26 March.