Trident Juncture Wrap

Dutch and Belgian forces jump from a Spanish CASA C-295 aircraft at a speed of 120 knots (222 kmh) at altitudes ranging from 1,200 ft, using static line chutes, up to 13,000 ft, using rip cord chutes. The aim of the exercise is to train soldiers to land in the sea, as near as possible to their objectives. Twenty seven members of NATO Special Forces, the elite units of the Atlantic Alliance, jump off the southern coast of Spain as part of the Trident Juncture 2015 exercise. These units specialise in infiltration and reconnaissance using whatever means required for lookout tasks, observation and attack, as well as having the capacity to extract civilians or military personnel in conflict zones. Because of this, their identity is always protected. At Beja Air Base, Portugal, Allied and Partner jets operate alongside each other executing challenging flying missions on a daily basis. Pilots from Allies Norway, Portugal, the US and Partners Sweden and Finland get together before every take-off to meticulously prepare and coordinate their missions. Together with their ground crews they conduct final pre-flight checks and taxi for take-off. Allied and Partner jets are launched for combined air operations. Their missions include training for defensive and offensive air operations and