When that many aircraft are to take off, and it is not possible to ensure separation in the air in a secure way, flights have to be cancelled.
However, the continued planning in preparation of the up-coming flight sessions has continued. Just planning which aircraft is doing what at what time in a predetermined location takes time. Planning a flight session takes around six hours. Flying it takes two...
“Then there is the evaluation of the flight sessions, which normally takes two hours”, he says.
The evaluation is conducted using video and conference call equipment since this exercise is carried out from four different bases in two countries, which requires working technology.
The goal of the exercise is to train large combined units in a realistic threat environment, including anti-aircraft on the ground. In this environment, the units will practice offensive and defensive air force manoeuvres, maintaining no-fly zones and taking action against a live target. Aerial refuelling and the use of 'Länk 16' - a data-link system that sends encrypted data between the aircraft and air command, so that everyone has the same grasp of the situation - are also part of the exercise goals.
“I want the participants of this year's Noam to think of this as the best exercise they have participated in, with the opportunity to carry out advanced flight training. Now, let's just hope for better weather”, sums up Carl-Johan Edström.