A Lithuanian C-27 simulated a communication loss scenario flying from Estonia to Finland airspace and was intercepted by Finnish F-18s fighters then escorted back to Baltic airspace. Day 2 began with Polish F-16 and Swedish JAS-39 fighters conducting a Dissimilar Air-to-Air Combat Training mission followed by a low altitude Italian intercept of a slow moving Latvian bi-plane AN-2.

Integration of our air surveillance control personnel with Allies, Partners and CAOC Uedem trains the Alliance in a multi domain environment

“Frequent training exercises like Ramstein Alloy allow us to increase interoperability with Allies and Partners. Integration of our air surveillance control personnel with Allies, Partners and CAOC Uedem trains the Alliance in a multi domain environment,” said Squadron Leader Craig Docker, CAOC Uedem Offensive Planner.

The intricate training scenarios challenge the Alliance and Partners to perform at a high standard while preparing them for real-world scenarios faced in Baltic Air Policing. While the NATO fighters launch from bases in Lithuania and Estonia, Latvia – like the two other Allies, provides the surveillance and control capabilities in support of the collective Air Policing mission.

“Practicing and drilling these scenarios is crucial for Alliance and Partner cohesion and interoperability,” said General Andrew Hansen, Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Allied Air Command. “Each iteration of these exercises builds on the vigilance, capabilities and responsiveness of our Air Policing network.” he added. 

This Ramstein Alloy exercise was the beginning of a series of Air Policing exercises for 2021. The events and scenarios allowed Allies and Partners to exercise common tactics, techniques and procedures for quick response fighter operations and all related elements. Since 2008, NATO via Allied Air Command and the CAOC at Uedem has regularly used the concept of bringing together Allied and Partner air forces from the Baltic region for this practical training. This activity shows NATO commitment and solidarity in the region providing visible deterrence and defence.