The deployment was led by the U.S. Air Force’s 435th Construction and Training Squadron (CTS) from Ramstein Air Base, with support from the 501st Combat Support Wing (CSW). The MAAS adds critical safety capabilities for participating forces, including Turkish and Romanian F-16s.
“Regulations for most NATO member nations require a MAAS or permanent Aircraft Arresting System (AAS) to be installed for fighter operations to occur at an installation,” explained Capt. Ryley Paquette, base civil engineer with the 420th Air Base Squadron (ABS). “Without it, we would not be able to receive these aircraft, and RAF Fairford would be unable to support Ramstein Flag.”
The MAAS is a rapidly deployable system designed to safely decelerate aircraft experiencing braking system failures or other landing emergencies. Its presence also enables safe operations in poor weather or when diversions are necessary.
Installation was led by the 435 CTS Depot and Transportation Flight, working closely with the 420th ABS, and civil engineer squadrons from the 100th and 48th Air Wings. “Our team coordinated site surveys, assessed feasibility, and worked with our German workforce in the Transportation Flight to deliver the $3 million MAAS system,” said 1st Lt. Dre’yana Anthony.
After anchoring the system to existing concrete pads, crews conducted safety tests and maintenance checks to confirm it was fully operational. Despite a tight timeline, all preparations were completed before aircraft certification and the start of the exercise.
“The most rewarding part is knowing that, in an in-flight emergency, our work directly contributes to saving pilots’ lives and protecting military assets,” said Tech. Sgt. Cody Bourff, Depot Theater Support NCOIC.
The 501st CSW also played a key support role, providing logistics, accommodation, and manpower for the installation effort. The 420th ABS coordinated with the 48th and 100th CES to bring in additional personnel to meet the project’s deadline.
“Airmen from heavy repair, water and fuels maintenance, structures, and other specialties assisted the Power Production construction team in placing the MAAS,” added Capt. Paquette. “Ordinarily those operations are completed purely by Power Production craftsmen, so seeing our very small engineer team flex to ensure deadlines were met was a profoundly rewarding experience.”
The temporary system will be removed following the exercise, but the operation serves as a valuable case study in rapid deployment and international cooperation. RAF Fairford continues to serve as a key strategic base for U.S. and NATO air operations in Europe.
