Athens (Agencies): In a significant demonstration of strength and coordination, more than 130 NATO aircraft, including F-35s, Rafales, Eurofighters, and JAS-39 Gripens, participated in the Ramstein Flag exercise over European skies this week. The multinational drill, held in Greek airspace, featured fighter jets and support aircraft from over 12 NATO member nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Greece, Italy, and Poland.
Designed to enhance air combat readiness and cooperation among NATO forces, Ramstein Flag underscores the alliance’s commitment to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region. The exercise, part of NATO’s broader strategy to maintain rapid-response capability, involved key participants such as NATO’s Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and RQ-4D surveillance drones, providing vital airborne command and surveillance.
Colonel Alexandros Chalkopoulos of the Hellenic Air Force, who flew in a Greek F-16 during the mission, praised the exercise’s success, highlighting its role in projecting NATO’s airpower and reinforcing alliance cooperation. The exercise, conducted from September 30 to October 11, 2024, was the inaugural iteration of the ‘Flag’ series, showcasing NATO’s determination to execute its ‘Deter and Defend’ strategy.