Apr 14 2023

Allies conduct first iteration of Ramstein Alloy 23 near Baltic Sea Region

Ramstein, Germany – Allied Air Forces finished the two-day exercise Ramstein Alloy 23-1 (RAAL23) over the Baltic Sea area further enhancing Alliance cohesion and interoperability on April 12- 13, 22.

Exercise RALY23 had allied fighters carry out live air-to-air drills and scenarios involving communications loss of civilian aircraft and then escort back to an airfield. These pilots sharpen their skills by practicing real-world scenarios faced by Air Policing personnel deployed in the Baltic region. This year’s exercise participants were from Allies Germany, Portugal, Romania, Finland, Lithuania, Türkiye, and Spain. This was the first time Finnish aircraft took part in a NATO exercise since joining as an Ally.

Exercise Ramstein Alloy represents a great opportunity to train our forces in performing Air Policing missions and to demonstrate the high level of readiness, interoperability, and cooperation among NATO members

“Yet another opportunity to improve our operational capability, shoulder to shoulder with our friends and Allies, in a complex scenario. This was only possible due to the commitment and professionalism of all those involved in this process”, said the Portuguese Detachment Commander.

Romanain F-16 taking part in Ramstein 23-1. Photo courtesy of Romanian Air Force.

During the exercise, the F-16s performed several air combat missions as well as close air support to forces on the ground, demonstrating their multirole capability. In addition to showcasing NATO's collective Defence capabilities, this exercise also allows for the integration of allied aircraft into Baltic airspace. RAAL23 is a periodic exercise that takes place in the Airspace of the Baltic States with the main aim of promoting cooperation between Allies and promoting their interoperability, developing, and perfecting capabilities that contribute to the stability and security of the region.

"Exercise Ramstein Alloy represents a great opportunity to train our forces in performing Air Policing missions and to demonstrate the high level of readiness, interoperability, and cooperation among NATO members,” underlined Colonel Vlad Cosmin, Romanian Detachment Commander.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office