A total of seven F-35A Lightning II aircraft participated in the event, with pilots and maintenance crews from all three nations. The training combined hands-on aircraft servicing with simulated combat scenarios, allowing pilots to refine their offensive and defensive counter-air tactics.
“This Spartan Lightning iteration was the first of its kind because we flew in seven F-35s to Ramstein for the pilots to participate in simulator training and for the maintenance personnel to cross-service each other’s airplanes,” said Lt. Col. Jared Marvin, 5th Combat Training Squadron D Flight commander. This marked a significant shift from previous Spartan Lightning exercises, which had been primarily simulation-based.
Tactics and intelligence experts facilitated mission planning and scenario execution, enabling participants to develop and test tactical solutions in simulated eight-ship operations. This approach reinforced strategic cooperation between NATO allies and strengthened their ability to operate jointly in real-world missions.
Having the F-35s physically present at Ramstein allowed for integrated maintenance and real-time communication between allied forces. The ability to cross-service aircraft enhances operational flexibility and supports Agile Combat Employment (ACE) objectives, ensuring NATO fighter aircraft can be deployed across different locations with seamless logistical support.
“We wanted to focus on learning the differences and similarities between how each of our NATO allies and partners accomplish aircraft maintenance,” said Master Sgt. Chris Bryant, 495th Fighter Generation Squadron avionics section chief from RAF Lakenheath, UK. “The goal is to ensure that when fighter aircraft and pilots deploy across NATO, everyone is on the same page, and the mission continues smoothly.”
