NATO's Exercise Ramstein Flag Showcases Combined Capability

ATHENS, Greece – Allied fighter jets, participating in NATO’s exercise Ramstein Flag, took off for a combined mission flying across Greece to demonstrate multinational Air Power capability on October 4, 2024.

Fighter jets from Nations contributing to the new exercise concept that Allied Air Command and the Hellenic Air Force are currently executing in Greece for the first time; flew over Greek landmarks. The pilots and fighter jets showcased the readiness and commitment of NATO Joint Air Power; training and flying together, providing the deterrence posture necessary in the changed global security environment. 

“The execution of this highly complex demonstration was a true testament to the agility of our Allied pilots, coordinating precision skills from twelve nations in this fighter formation flight. We conducted the mission at almost half-time of the Ramstein Flag execution,” said Colonel Alexandros Chalkopoulos, Spokesperson of the Hellenic Air Force who flew in the backseat of a Hellenic Air Force F-16 during the combined mission. “The participating Allies have demonstrated their close relationship during the mission today, the same spirit on display in the demanding scenarios the exercise planners have developed for Ramstein Flag in Greece,” he added.

The first of its kind in NATO, exercise Ramstein Flag will demonstrate NATO’s resolve, commitment and ability to deter potential adversaries and defend the Alliance.

During the exercise, over 130 fighter and enabler aircraft from Greece, Canada, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States plus NATO AWACS aircraft, NATO RQ-4D Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance drones have contributed to the complex mission sets. These assets along with the deployable NATO air surveillance and control centre are complemented by Hellenic Surface-Based Air Defence assets, in addition to, Hellenic Navy ships, Special Operations Forces, Electronic Warfare systems, Space and Cyber capabilities.

This multi-domain exercise ensures all participants execute improved tactics and robust integration leading to stronger deterrence and defence.