Straight to your email! Subscribe to our Substack to receive full text transcripts of our exclusive interviews with esteemed guests on The Allied Airpower Podcast. natoaircom.substack.com Did you know that Türkiye and the U.S. are not part of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)? How does maritime, air, and space parallel each other in terms of international law? What is Freedom of Navigation and Freedom of Maneuver anyways? And why does this matter to Airpower?In this episode, we draw on decades of experience from a career naval legal officer and academic from the University of Adelaide to help us answer these questions. Professor Dale Stephens explores how freedom of navigation and freedom of maneuver shape military and civilian activity across sea, air, and space.The discussion traces the historical roots of maritime law, from Roman claims over the Mediterranean to the Treaty of Tordesillas and Grotius’ principle of the “freedom of the seas.” The Professor explains how modern law balances state sovereignty with global trade needs.He highlights today’s challenges, including China’s South China Sea claims, security tensions in the Arctic, and air incidents involving lasers and close intercepts, showing how states push legal “grey zones” to expand control. The conversation then extends into space law, where treaties like the Outer Space Treaty set limits (e.g., banning weapons of mass destruction in orbit) but leave open questions about sovereignty, militarization, and commercialization.

Looking to the future, Dr. Stephens stresses the importance of defending the rules-based international order to prevent fragmentation into narrow national interests. He closes with a message of gratitude to NATO service members, emphasizing the honor and necessity of their sacrifice in maintaining global security.DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in The Allied Airpower Podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of NATO, NATO Allied Air Command, or any national government. Any external hyperlinks or resources shared on this podcast do not constitute endorsement.

In this episode, we explore how NATO Allies are showcasing Airpower, strengthening deterrence, and adapting to new operational challenges across Europe.

First, we head to Latvia, where Hungarian and Swedish JAS-thirty-nine Gripens joined U.S. Air Force B-one-B Lancer bombers for a formation flyover above Riga’s famous Monument of Freedom. The mission highlighted NATO’s ability to integrate advanced aircraft and demonstrated transatlantic unity on the Alliance’s eastern flank.

Next, we shift north to Iceland, where the Belgian Air Force has taken over NATO’s Air Policing mission from Spain. For the first time, Belgium deployed F-16s to Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, working alongside the Icelandic Coast Guard and NATO controllers to safeguard Arctic skies and maintain quick reaction alert until mid-September.

Finally, we head to Denmark’s Lakolk Beach, where a Norwegian C-130J Super touched down on sand for the first time. This milestone event was part of Agile Combat Employment training, proving that Allied aircrews can operate from unconventional surfaces like beaches and highways when traditional runways aren’t available.

From Bomber Task force integration, to safeguarding remote airspace, to landing heavy aircraft on sand. The message is clear: the Alliance is ready to respond anytime, anywhere.

In this episode, we explore three stories that underscore NATO’s cooperation, innovation, and readiness across the Alliance.

We begin in Belgrade, where NATO’s Mobile Training Team partnered with the Serbian Air Force to strengthen air operational planning skills under the Partnership for Peace programme.

Then we move to Pápa Air Base in Hungary, where the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force conducted its first-ever diversion recovery training using advanced Virtual Reality technology to prepare multinational crews for critical aircraft recovery scenarios.

Finally, we head north, from Iceland to Norway, where U.S. B-1B Lancer bombers integrated with Spanish EF/A-18M Hornets on Air Policing duty. The U.S. B-1B Lancers were on their way to Ørland Air Base, Norway to further train and integrate with Norwegian F-35s in this iteration of the U.S.’ Bomber Task Force deployment, honing skills for high-threat air operations and refining skills in the find, fix, track and target process.

In this episode, we cover NATO’s ongoing air policing efforts across Europe as multiple nations rotate responsibilities in the Baltic and Black Sea regions. Germany takes over from Italy at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base in Romania, deploying Eurofighter Typhoons to support NATO’s southeastern flank. In Estonia, Italy assumes Baltic Air Policing duties from Portugal, whose detachment completed a robust deployment with over 400 flight hours and participation in numerous multinational exercises.

Meanwhile, Hungary and Spain have deployed to Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania, replacing the Romanian and Polish detachments. These rotations bring Hungarian Gripens and Spanish Eurofighter Typhoons to the front lines of NATO’s Baltic mission. Spain also expands its commitment with EF/A-18M Hornets in Iceland. The outgoing Polish and Romanian units are recognized for their joint training achievements and community engagement, exemplifying the strength of NATO interoperability.

This episode highlights the Alliance’s seamless coordination, sustained vigilance, and enduring unity across its eastern airspace.