The training focused on preparing the quick reaction forces for their time while deployed at Quick Reaction Alert air bases in the Baltic Sea Region. This was the second iteration of the Ramstein Alloy exercise series and over 20 aircraft from Italy, Poland, Spain, Turkey and NATO Partner Finland participated, as well as the NATO E-3A AWACS from Geilenkirchen Air Base, Germany. For the first time, a Turkish E-7T aircraft deployed to the Baltic Sea Region to inter-operate with Allies in the North of the Euro-Atlantic Area.
This training event, while routine and annual, is vital to ensure NATO remains ready to constantly maintain the integrity of Allied Air Space. Air Policing is a 24/7 defensive operation covering the entirety of SACEUR's AOR.
This training is essential for all of the Allied Air Squadrons, who are deployed to or permanently based in the Baltic Sea Region. As a ready and responsive multinational force, NATO and Partner nation personnel cooperate together every day to ensure the Baltic Sea Airspace is safe and secure for all travelers. "Ramstein Alloy is a great opportunity to train and consolidate the procedures which allow us to conduct Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Peacetime Operations in perfect synchronization with all the Allies and Partners operating in the Baltic Sea Region," underlined Colonel Vincenzo Sirico, Commander of the Italian Detachment at Amari.
Turkish E-7T Peace Eagle being refuelled during Ramstein Alloy. This is the first deployment of the Turkish aircraft to the Baltic Sea Region and marks an important opportunity to build cooperation and interoperability between NATO Allies and Partner nations during a Live Fly exercise. Photo courtesy of the Turkish Air Force.
Czech Republic Air Force Major Margit Radkova, a tactical director assigned to NATO's E-3A Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) aircraft, simulates a training drill at Ämari Air Base during NATO Exercise Ramstein Alloy. Allies and Partner Finland came together in Estonia to support the live-fly training exercises in the Baltic States and international airspace over the Baltic Sea. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brett Dodge.
U.S. Air Force Major Jared Swindle, a pilot assigned to NATO's E-3A Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) aircraft, poses for a photo in the cockpit at Ämari Air Base during NATO Exercise Ramstein Alloy. Allies and partners Finland came together in Estonia to support the live-fly training exercises in the Baltic States and international airspace over the Baltic Sea. Ramstein Alloy notably coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Alliance's Air Policing mission.
"This training event, while routine and annual, is vital to ensure NATO remain ready to constantly maintain the integrity of Allied Air Space. Air Policing is a 24/7 defensive operation covering the entirety of SACEUR's AOR," stated Colonel Bas Pellemans, Deputy Component Commander Geilenkirchen.
The NATO AWACS synchronized efforts on the second day of the exercise by operating as the airborne command and control for fighter activity. The Ramstein Alloy exercise series will have its third iteration in September of this year.