The training included the first U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II landing and takeoff from a Finnish highway strip. It also marked the first deployment of U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs to Finland and the first time Polish and Spanish Air Force aircraft operated from a Finnish roadway.
U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 224 trained alongside Spanish F/A-18s and Polish F-16s. Forward arming and refueling support was provided by U.S. Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272.
NATO said the training strengthened Agile Combat Employment concepts. These concepts enable Allied air forces to disperse, sustain and generate combat airpower from non-traditional locations.
In a contested environment, such procedures help extend aircraft reach beyond established air bases. NATO said they also complicate potential adversary planning and preserve the Alliance’s ability to defend its territory, populations and airspace.
“This iteration of Ramstein Flag stretches from the northernmost parts of Norway to the southern reaches of Spain, showcasing Allied Airpower’s 360-degree approach to defend every inch of NATO territory,” said U.S. Lieutenant General Jason T. Hinds, commander of NATO Allied Air Command. “The scale of this exercise is a testament to NATO’s determination to counter modern and emerging threats through distributed operations across NATO’s Joint Operations Areas.”
NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre in Bodø, Norway, provided air command and control for the highway operations. It also supported other air-to-air and deep-strike training scenarios during the exercise.
Liaison officers from 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing supported the center. They worked with more than 19 nations to coordinate multinational airpower and strengthen shared procedures across the Alliance.
NATO said the activity showed how allied forces contribute to its defensive and proportionate deterrence and defense posture. The forces involved included U.S. Marine Corps, Spanish and Polish air assets.
Through Ramstein Flag 2026, Allied Air Command and participating nations are refining tactics, techniques and procedures. NATO said the exercise is also improving command and control and strengthening readiness to operate as one Alliance across the Euro-Atlantic area.
