The Ramstein Alloy exercise happens three times per year and offers training to enhance the Quick Reaction Alert capabilities in the Baltic region. Participation by the Turkish E-7T aircraft and crew marks their third visit to this region and the first time they have deployed to Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany. Having a NATO Ally from the South operating in the Northern part of Europe builds important relationships for the future.
NATO is a big family," said Chief Master Sergeant Deniz Canturk, a system specialist and senior surveillance operator. "Participating in missions in every single inch of NATO territory is preparation for the collective defence of our homes.
A Turkish Air Force E-7T at Geilenkirchen Air Base, Germany while an E-3A takes off in the background. Photo Courtesy: Ben Gorski
The crew of the E-7T stand in front of their aircraft displaying their Nation's flag beside a NATO flag. Photo Courtesy: Turkish Air Force.
The E-7T aircraft, based on a 737-700 commercial plane, has an advanced radar and is capable of detecting air and maritime targets simultaneously. The Turkish Air Force has had the early warning capability since 2014 and in 2021 it started to fly missions over the NATO Allied airspace as part of NATO"s Assurance Measures.
"With the fusion of all this information, we produce the Recognized Air Picture or RAP," said mission commander Lieutenant Colonel Sedar Cagirdar. He went on to explain that the E-7T has 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles, where highly trained operators can detect, identify and track objects with the long rage radar and passive sensor.
Sharing the RAP with all stakeholders, including Partner nations Sweden and Finland, is a key part of the Exercise. Practising these procedures ensures NATO remains ready for the Air Policing mission and can safeguard the skies across the Baltic Region.
"Ramstein Alloy is an opportunity to work with Allies, side-by-side in order to enhance interoperability," said Colonel Sertac Seymen, E-7T Squadron Commander.