BERLIN, Germany -- Air Force Office of Special Investigations Special Agents and German military counterintelligence personnel joined forces this month, successfully protecting an F-35A Lightning II and other U.S. assets during ILA Berlin 2026.
AFOSI Detachment 540, based at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, led a joint team alongside Germany’s Military Counterintelligence Service, or BAMAD, and other mission partners, June 10-14. The bilateral effort helped protect U.S. personnel, critical weapons systems and advanced technologies, said Special Agent Joshua Menge, Special Agent in Charge of AFOSI Detachment 540.
“An event of this scale brings together advanced technology, international partners and significant public attention,” Menge said. “That makes close coordination with our German counterparts and other mission partners essential to protecting the personnel and capabilities on display.”
The mission unfolded at ILA Berlin 2026, the International Aerospace Exhibition known by its German abbreviation, which drew approximately 110,000 attendees from 60 countries, 765 exhibitors from 37 nations, more than 400 speakers and 330 international delegations.
U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa led the U.S. military presence, featuring fighter jets like the F-35A Lightning II and F-16D Fighting Falcon, and cargo aircraft like the C-130J Super Hercules.
Behind the public displays, Special Agents worked daily with BAMAD personnel to protect the aircraft, supporting personnel and sensitive technologies, Menge said, adding the integration also gave the two organizations a chance to exchange counterintelligence practices, including approaches to industry and research security.
“Our rapid integration with BAMAD made the entire team more effective,” Menge said. “It expanded bilateral counterintelligence capacity and strengthened protection across the event.”
In addition, the operation reflected the longstanding relationship between AFOSI and BAMAD by demonstrating their ability to operate as an integrated team, Menge said.
AFOSI also brought together Army counterintelligence, Navy N2 and Naval Criminal Investigative Service personnel. The joint-service approach built on models used during other major aerospace events, including last year’s Paris Air Show and Joint Base Andrews Air Show.
“Protecting advanced capabilities requires strong partnerships,” Menge said. “Our collaboration with BAMAD strengthened the mission, expanded host-nation capacity and supported the secure participation of U.S. forces at ILA Berlin.”