The Real Thaw 2022 (RT22) Distinguished Visitors Day (DVD) took place today, July 5th, at Air Base Nº 11 (BA11). The Portuguese Air Commander, Lieutenant General António Branco, the French Air Commander Major General Dominique Tardif and the Spanish Air Commander Brigadier General Dominguez were present, among others, who were received by the commander of BA11, Colonel Carlos Lourenço and by the Commander of the exercise, Major Emídio Fernandes.

After the reception, the entities visited the aprons where the participating aircrafts in RT22 are parked, as well as getting to know and closely observing some of the many areas that make up the exercise.

The day ended with a demonstration of the capabilities of the Portuguese aircraft: F-16M, EH-101 Merlin and the AW119MKII “Koala”.

This exercise aims to prepare the military of the Air Force, Navy and Army, and of the participating countries, to act in joint and combined operations, enhancing interoperability between all. RT22 offers participants a unique opportunity to plan and execute missions, with the aim of integrating and synchronizing different domains to solve a tactical problem.

Remember that the Real Thaw runs until the 8th of July and has the participation of military personnel and aircraft from seven countries, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, United States of America, France, Lithuania, the Netherlands, with the participation of NATO forces.

In total, the exercise has 54 aircraft and more than 1000 military personnel.