The exercise was based on a fictitious scenario. It portrays a conflict in fictitious “East Cerasia” where one
nation invades a smaller neighbour and threatens to invade yet another country. The resulting fictitious cri‐
sis is caused by competition for resources and has ethnic and religious dimensions. The scenario’s implica‐
tions are global, with impact on maritime navigation and energy security and risks such as terrorism and
cyber attacks.
In response, to the fictitious scenario the UN Security Council authorized a NATO International Support As‐
sistance Mission to help protect the threatened states and safeguard freedom of navigation. This Mission
will was simulated by the Trident Juncture 2015 exercise.
The Aviation Magazine was there to cover the exercise at Zaragoza Air Force Base, Spain. All aircraft and
helicopters were supported by the air base’s ground crews. In the training area of San Gregorio, which is on
the biggest military training area in Europe, for this exercise a large village was built resembling an Taliban
village. To make the scenario even more realistic Spanish and US soldiers role played the part of “native”
residents.
Zaragoza was very busy, one of the busiest section was the area where the US Army stationed their
Apaches and Blackhawks. The US Army was supported by Belgian Agusta A‐109 and Czech Mil Mi‐171Sh. In
additional ground attack role were the Czech Air Force with their Areo L‐159 Alca’s. The airspace was se‐
cured by the Spanish Air Force EF‐18’s.
Images by Joe Ciliberti
US Army’s CH‐47F above and the Czech Mil Mi‐171Sh, below with the Taliban village in the background.