Major NATO air force exercises has taken place in Greece
12 October, 2024 Allied aircraft during the Ramstein Flag 24 exercise. Photo by Michael Linennen A major NATO air exercise, Ramstein Flag 24, has ended, involving more than 130 aircraft from 12 NATO member states.
This was reported by the UK Defense Journal. The Ramstein Flag 24 exercise was coordinated by the Allied Command and held at Andravida Air Base in Greece. It lasted from September 30 to October 11, 2024, and was the debut of a new type of exercise modeled after the US Red Flag exercise.
During the exercise, the Air Forces of different NATO countries, equipped with different types of aircraft, were practicing operational interoperability. In particular, the exercise involved the F-35 Lightning II, Dassault Mirage 2000, Dassault Rafale, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft.
Allied aircraft during the Ramstein Flag 24 exercise. Photo by Michael Linennen
Interaction with AWACS E-3 Sentry and E-7 Wedgetail long-range radar surveillance aircraft and RQ-4D drones was also practiced.
AWACS aircraft during Ramstein Flag 2024.
Photo by Andrew Sarver
The exercise was part of a broader effort to ensure rapid response readiness and seamless integration of NATO air forces. The training focused on scenarios to prepare for the complex air operations. This included the operations in the area of enemy air defense (A2/AD), reflecting NATO's current strategic challenges.
The participants performed tasks both together and "against" other NATO air forces. This allowed them to practice interoperability and mutual understanding of tactics and procedures. As a reminder, in October, 2024, NATO's Steadfast Noon nuclear exercise will also take place.
An F-15E launched a B61-4 nuclear bomb without a warhead.
Photo credits: Sandia National Laboratories
"In an uncertain world, it is vital that we test our defenses and strengthen them, so that our adversaries know that the alliance is ready and able to respond to any threat... All exercises will particularly take place in the UK, the North Sea, as well as in Belgium and the Netherlands," the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, stated in a press release. He added that the exercises would not involve the use of combat weapons.
However, about 2,000 military personnel participating in Steadfast Noon will simulate missions in which aircraft will carry American nuclear warheads.
According to NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defense Policy and Planning, Angus Lapsley, Steadfast Noon is important for demonstrating the Alliance's nuclear forces and deterring any threat.