Ramstein Flag 2025: U.S. Air Forces in Europe bolster readiness and joint warfighting capabilities

The large-scale exercise focused on critical areas such as agile combat employment, integrated air and missile defence, and counter anti-access/area denial operations. These training scenarios aimed to ensure NATO forces can respond swiftly and effectively in complex, contested environments.

Flight operations were conducted under high-pressure, realistic conditions, pushing participants to integrate and collaborate in achieving air superiority. General James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and NATO Allied Air Command, stated, “We are here practicing today to ensure that if we need to gain air superiority, we have the capability to do it.”

A highlight of the exercise was a cross-servicing mission involving U.S. and Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Crews from both nations refuelled and serviced each other’s jets before launching them in simulated counter-denial operations, showcasing seamless multinational coordination.

Lieutenant General André Steur of the Royal Netherlands Air Force underscored the strategic value of the exercise, saying, “The strength we create here at Ramstein Flag is that piece of the puzzle that enables us to fully interconnect with all the forces and be able to fight.” His comments reflected the shared focus on interoperability and collective strength.

Aircraft and units from the U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) included F-35As from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, KC-135R Stratotankers from RAF Mildenhall, and the 19th Electronic Warfare Squadron based at Ramstein Air Base. These assets contributed to a full-spectrum demonstration of NATO’s operational reach and flexibility.

As the host nation, the Netherlands showcased its capabilities with contributions including F-35s, MQ-9 Reapers, NH90 helicopters, and the naval frigate HNLMS Tromp. This diverse participation reflected a robust commitment to the alliance’s shared defence objectives.

Ramstein Flag 2025 reaffirms NATO’s ability to act as a united, lethal, and ready force capable of addressing any challenge. The exercise demonstrated that cooperation and integrated planning remain central to NATO’s deterrence and defence strategy.

Source: U.S. Air Force in Europe.