Home  /  Newsroom  /  2021  /  Finland and Sweden see great value in Ramstein Ambition 21

Ramstein, Germany – Finland and Sweden joined Allied Air Command in this year’s iteration of the computer assisted exercise Ramstein Ambition 21 for the first time in the Consultant, Coordinator, and De-conflict (CCD) role

Their CCD concept aims to enhance the operational partnership between Finland, Sweden and NATO for instances of crisis or conflict. Working together during the two-week exercise has given military staffs the opportunity to improve information sharing and understand mission procedures.

This opportunity to train with NATO Allies will pay dividends in the future for our combined interests in the Baltic Sea Region

“Sweden is here to stand up a CCD capability to show our partnership in the safety and security of the Baltic Sea Region and in the High North. This opportunity to train with NATO Allies will pay dividends in the future for our combined interests in the Baltic Sea Region,” said Lieutenant Colonel Anders Segerby, Swedish CCD Team Lead.

A Finnish F-18s participate in Exercise Baltic Trident, developing interoperability between NATO and its Partners. Photo courtesy of Finnish Air Force. 

Finland has taken part in the Ramstein Ambition exercises since 2014. Lieutenant Colonel Rami Lindstrom, Finnish Team Leader, explains the priority his air force as during Ramstein Ambition 21 saying: “Our joint efforts to de-conflict and deescalate remain a top priority for the Finnish Air Force while participating in this exercise. We want to ensure we can assist during times of crisis and conflict.”

Remaining non-aligned is key to understanding the relationship Finland and Sweden have with NATO. Neither country is a member of the Alliance, but they frequently participate in NATO exercises. For many years, Finnish and Swedish air forces have flown their jets alongside Allied aircraft during Allied Air Command’s Ramstein Alloy exercises in the Baltic Sea Region enhancing regional cooperation and security and further building on common procedures. Both Partners are in a privileged partnership and have permanent liaison officers deployed to Allied Air Command.