Astral Knight 26 is U.S. European Command’s capstone integrated air and missile defense exercise, led by U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa and is taking place in various locations throughout the United Kingdom, 1-12 June 2026. The objective of Astral Knight 2026 is to exercise the air aspects of IAMD to deter enemy aggression through a demonstration of U.S. Air Force offensive combat air and defensive combat air capabilities. Exercising these mission sets ensures the USAF’s ability to provide support to NATO Allies and partners in the defense of Europe.
