On June 16, 2023, the Austrian Armed Forces conducted a joint exercise with the US Air Force's Vermont Air National Guard. Guests of honor included United States Ambassador to Austria Victoria Reggie Kennedy and Commander of the Vermont Air National Guard Brigadier General Henry Harder. This partnership marks the first time that the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing will fly jointly with the Zeltweg Air Force.
Key aspects of the State Partnership Program enable both partners to exchange skills, experience and know-how. The Vermont Air National Guard, which previously participated in the “Air Defender 23” exercise, is taking the opportunity to practice with the Austrian Air Force for the first time and to exchange experiences.
The aim of the program is to learn from one another and improve our joint capabilities. Whether during exercises or joint operations such as various foreign missions, said Defense Minister Tanner in her speech. The Vermont Air National Guard has operated the F-16 "Fighting Falcon" as its standard fighter aircraft for decades. The F-35 "Lightning II" is its successor. This aircraft is also being procured by the Swiss Air Force, is already in service in Italy, and Germany has also opted for this type. The experience now being gained during joint exercises is therefore a valuable gain in experience and demonstrates the added value and importance of the "State Partnership Program."
"Especially in cross-border cooperation and cooperation with our neighbors who are already using the F-35 or are receiving this aircraft, the opportunity to practice with this aircraft in advance is an invaluable asset for our air force," Defense Minister Tanner concluded.
The 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard has sent two F-35 "Lightning II" and a C-17 "Globemaster III" to Zeltweg. On Saturday, June 17, 2023, one flight is planned in the morning and one in the afternoon with up to four aircraft. The fly-out and relocation will take place on Monday.
The United States Ambassador to Austria Victoria Reggie Kennedy thanked Federal Minister Klaudia Tanner for the very active cooperation between the Federal Army and the Vermont National Guard and pointed out the special importance of this cooperation.
Secretary of Defense Klaudia Tanner with members of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing. (Photo: HBF/Carina Karlovits). 
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner at the ceremony in Zeltweg for the one-year partnership. (Photo: HBF/Carina Karlovits). 
Secretary of Defense Klaudia Tanner, Ambassador Victoria Reggie Kennedy and Provincial Councilor Werner Amon (from right to left) with members of the Austrian and US Air Force in front of an Austrian Eurofighter (right), a C-17 transport aircraft and a US National F-35 (left). Guard. (Photo: HBF/Carina Karlovits). 
Defense Secretary Klaudia Tanner (left) and Ambassador Victoria Reggie Kennedy gather information in the cockpit. (Photo: HBF/Carina Karlovits). 
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, Ambassador Victoria Reggie Kennedy and State Councilor Werner Amon (from right to left), behind them Commander Brigadier Gerfried Promberger at the ceremony in Zeltweg for the one-year partnership. (Photo: HBF/Carina Karlovits).
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