NATO’s Allied Air Command, in collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), is scheduled to host Ramstein Flag 2025 (RAFL25) from 31 March to 11 April. This exercise will assemble more than 90 aircraft from over 15 Allied countries, utilizing 12 Allied air bases throughout Europe.
The primary objective of this extensive tactical training exercise is to enhance multi-domain operations, improve interoperability, and strengthen rapid response capabilities among Allied forces. It will run concurrently with the Dutch-led Frisian Flag, and aims to strengthen NATO’s operational capabilities in intricate environments.
RAFL25 will emphasize the advancement of tactics, techniques, and procedures related to Counter Anti-Access/Area Denial (C-A2/AD), Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), and Agile Combat Employment (ACE), ensuring NATO air forces are prepared to meet the challenges of an evolving security landscape.
“NATO air power is fundamental to alliance deterrence in the defence of all NATO nations, probably now or than ever” Said Air Marshal Jonny Stringer, Deputy Commander Allied Air Command during a media roundtable. “What you’re seeing in Ramstein flag is some of the highest end training we’re able to conduct in Europe across a raft of nations, supported by all 32 nations”.
An essential element of the exercise is the Deployable Air Control Centre, Recognized Air Picture Production Centre, and Sensor Fusion Post (DARS), which has been set up prior to the exercise. The DARS system will facilitate real-time monitoring of airspace, coordination, and the generation of a recognized air picture, thereby ensuring smooth integration between aerial and ground-based resources.
The participating fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, refuelling tankers, and electronic warfare units will collaborate with land and maritime assets, resulting in a highly advanced multi-domain exercise that presents realistic challenges within a complex operational setting.
Ramstein Flag “provides a unique opportunity to train the entire air power team in a multinational setting from our crews on the ground and our crews in the air to our maintenance teams, our logistics crews“ said Commander of the RNLAF, Lieutenant General Andre Steur who also participated in the media roundtable. “This exercise is not just about interoperability and training towards the target set or certain opponent, but it’s also providing exposure at all levels” he added.
