Original Coverage & Source Attribution: defence-industry.eu
NATO rehearsed the coordination of air operations with land, maritime, space and cyber forces during Steadfast Duel 2026, testing regional defence plans in a simulated conflict. The command post exercise involved approximately 8,000 military and civilian personnel across Europe and the United States, with a focus on the alliance’s northwest region.
Allied Air Command completed its participation on 15 October. Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe scheduled the exercise, which was directed by the Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger, Norway.
Command and control was central to linking air operations with the wider joint force. The NATO Communications and Information Agency supported communications networks and integration of the NATO Maven Smart System, helping headquarters exchange information and build a shared operational picture.
Allied Command Transformation examined how NATO could improve coordination across domains while developing future capabilities. Its Warfare Development Exploitation Team worked with exercise specialists to assess emerging concepts, decision-making and escalation dynamics.
“We used the exercise environment to advance Audacious Training, accelerate Multi-Domain Operations implementation, and help NATO bridge the ‘Fight Tonight’ with the ‘Fight Tomorrow’,” said Lieutenant Colonel Fredrik Modin, the team’s lead. The work connected the requirements of current defence plans with potential changes to training and operational approaches.
Allied Air Command is also developing its Future Air Command and Control Concept, drawing on lessons from Steadfast Duel 2025. That effort seeks to refine responsibilities and processes so airpower can be delivered with greater speed, agility, scalability and survivability.
