Multinational military exercise Adriatic Strike 2025

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12th multinational military exercise Adriatic Strike 2025

Between 13 and 24 June 2025, the Republic of Slovenia will host the multinational exercise Adriatic Strike 2025. In this exercise, the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) will collaborate with NATO and PfP member states to provide Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training supported by air force capabilities.

The first days of the exercise are designated for the arrival of participants, the establishment of the command-and-control structure, and preparation for the execution of the exercise, which will take place in the wider area and airspace of the Republic of Slovenia.

About the exercise

The exercise, organized and conducted by the SAF’s 15th Aviation and Air Defence Brigade, will train certified JTACs, shooting platform teams, command and control (C2) structures up to the division level, aircrews, Forward Air Controllers (FACs), paratroopers, and special unit members.

The exercise will include approximately 800 participants, including around 400 members from 30 allied and partner countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

JTAC training will be supported by the following air force capabilities:

Fixed-wing aircraft

Albatros L 39, Netherlands
F 16, USA
C 130, USA
Lear Jeat 35, Germany
Pilatus PC 7, Austria
Pilatus PC 9, Croatia and Slovenia, Germany
Mirrage 2000D, France
Eurofighter EF 2000, Italy
Casa CN 235, Türkiye

Rotary-wing aircraft

Bell 206, Slovenia
Bell 412, Slovenia and Montenegro
Bell 505, Montenegro
Bell OH 58D Kiowa, Croatia
Cougar AS AL 532, Slovenia
Eurocopter Tiger, Spain
Chinook CH 47, Spain

Seven NATO-member Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Locations

Aircraft supporting the training will take off from Cerklje ob Krki and Brnik airfields. Allied aircraft (Croatian Pilatus PC-9, Italian Eurofighter EF 2000, and US F-16) will support the exercise from their home bases.

JTAC training will take place at five locations across Slovenia, including the Central Training Area Postojna, where Slovenian and allied aircraft will provide fire support in the wider areas of Slovenj Gradec, Kočevje, Snežnik, and Cerklje ob Krki airfields, simulating air support missions.

To ensure safe conduct of the exercise and uninterrupted air traffic, temporary daily airspace closures will apply over the areas of operation (except Sundays) between 09:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00, and 20:00–23:00.

Most activities will be conducted during daylight hours. Increased noise is expected in training areas due to aircraft overflights.

Training Area 1: Kočevje/Ribnica

Activity: Training conducted from command posts, focusing on combat decision-making with an emphasis on planning and executing combined fire support. The process will be supported by a group of signalers, who, together with armored and transport vehicles, infantry, and air defense units, simulate an opposing military force.

Training Area 2: Poček

Activity: Joint fire controllers will train both day and night to coordinate the drop of combat cargo from aircraft and helicopters. They will use laser designators and newly acquired digital communication equipment designed to operate under conditions of electronic interference, with the goal of minimizing the electronic footprint during communication with support aircraft.

Training Area 3: Kamnik-Savinja Alps

Activity: Training focusing on combined fire control in mountainous terrain, overcoming vertical obstacles, and rescuing isolated personnel.

Training Area 4: Slovenj Gradec

Activity: Training including capturing enemy airfields, cargo drops from transport aircraft, parachute jumps, trench warfare, and bunker warfare, all conducted using imitation ammunition of various types and calibres. More than 60 personnel will be present in the training area each day.

Training Area 5: Cerklje ob Krki

Activity: Division-level training with an emphasis on the Joint Air Ground Integration Cell (JAGIC) and five JTAC simulators. Joint fire control teams will train in various scenarios using the latest virtual technology. Forty-nine controller teams, the division command, and the JAGIC cell will participate in the training.

Field activities, coordinated with local communities, will follow a predetermined scenario. They are generally not expected to disturb the surroundings, as only a small number of military vehicles and personnel will be engaged on the ground. The use of manoeuvre ammunition will be minimal, and during vehicle movements, participants will use public roads and metalled forest roads.

The exercise also includes a 72-hour training event for special forces and paratroopers alongside JTACs, conducted at locations such as Slovenj Gradec, Velenje, Cerklje ob Krki, Žužemberk, Kočevje, Ribnica, Bistrica pri Tržiču, Pivka, and Postojna, as well as in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Continuous day and night training will be conducted, including the use of various military vehicles.

Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) advises the commander in the field on the correct use of air, naval, mortar or artillery fire support, and supervises its implementation during operations. They also provide support by reconnoitering routes, escorting convoys and monitoring the surrounding area, ensuring comprehensive protection for their own forces.

JTACs also played a very important role in extinguishing fires in the Karst region and during extensive flooding, when they ensured the safe and effective execution of air operations.

Press conference on Tuesday, 10 June, presenting the activities related to the international military exercise Adriatic Strike 2025. More information.