On July 20-22 Adaži Military Area (Latvia) will host the Baltic Region Training Event VI (BRTE VI) NATO Allied Air Component Command Ramstein (Germany) organises for forward air controllers of air forces of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
NATO has been holding BRTE in the Baltic States since 2008. Five training events held so far were tailored to drill capabilities of the Baltic States taking part in the Baltic Air-policing mission. BRTEs are organised to enhance interoperability of the Baltic military capabilities, to highlight NATO's commitments to the Baltic Region, and to demonstrate visibility of the Alliance in the region.
This is the second BRTE meant to train forward air controllers. In military operations Forward Air Controller performs crucial duty of calling in air support to infantry and provides control from the ground for combat aircraft during assault on positions of hostile forces.
Lithuania will send eight servicemen to the training event in Adaži Military Area. One day long theoretical introduction part will be followed by two days of practical training on the basis of a range of real-life scenarios. BRTE will involve cutting-edge equipment of NATO countries. Such training events provide opportunity for troops of the allied forces to improve skills before deployment the multinational mission in Afghanistan.
Air support during BRTE VI is planned to be rendered by Polish F-16 „Fighting Falcon" based in Krzesiny Airbase, US fighters F16 „Fighting Falcon" from Aviano Airbase (Italy), and two light assault training jets of the Lithuanian Air Force L39 „Albatros". On the way to Adaži Military Area fighters will conduct air refuelling from US KC-135 Stratotanker that will launch from Mendenhall Airbase in the United Kingdom. Forward air controllers will coordinate actions jointly with NATO airspace command and control units in Lithuania and Latvia and thus ensure control of combat aircrafts. The entire training event will be coordinated by the Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem, Germany.
Lithuanian Armed Forces began developing tactical air assault capabilities in 2006, in 2007 the first representative of Lithuania graduated from the Forward Air Controller Course at the Danish Royal Air Force Combat Support School.
Denmark rendered assistance is training the first Tactical Air Assault Team of the Lithuanian Armed Forces which was deployed to ISAF operation in Helmand province of Afghanistan with a Danish Battle Group in 2008.
For media representatives.
Media representatives are invited arrive at Adaži Military Area on July 22 to meet with BRTE VI organisers and participants, observe training and take a look at used equipment. The event will begin at 9.30, and end at 13.00.
Media representatives should fill in the form before July 21 and send it to Capt. Normunds Stafeckis (Public Relations Department of the Latvian Armed Forces) at e-mail normunds.stafeckis@mod.gov.lv
