LEEUWARDEN, Netherlands – On April 4, 2025, a Turkish Air Force KC-135R tanker aircraft refueled F-35 jets for the first time, during Ramstein Flag 25 (RAFL25).
The Turkish tanker, which has been forward deployed to Royal Air Force Fairford, United Kingdom for RAFL25, met with four Danish F-35s, launching from Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, and successfully refueled for the first time, keeping the Allied jets on mission during the highly sophisticated air exercise.
Ramstein Flag 25 has provided a golden opportunity for us to train with a variety of different fighter aircraft, demonstrating our high level of readiness and the interoperability between Allied Air Forces
Allied forces continue to execute Counter Anti-Access/Area Denial (C-A2/AD) and Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) missions while seamlessly sharing information between the participating Allies. The exercise runs in conjunction with the Dutch-led Frisian Flag and provides Allied forces with advanced training opportunities in a complex, contested operational environment.
"We are proud to conduct the first F-35 air refueling mission of Turkish Air Force successfully. Air to air refueling aircraft are critical enablers in the modern battlespace extending the reach and effectiveness of our assets," said Major Eşref SAYIL, Mission Commander of the Turkish detachment. "Ramstein Flag 25 has provided a golden opportunity for us to train with a variety of different fighter aircraft, demonstrating our high level of readiness and the interoperability between Allied Air Forces while increasing the cohesion of the Alliance. We are so happy to contribute the protection of NATO Airspace,” he added.
Four Danish F-35's refueled from the Turkish KC-135 during Ramstein Flag 25.Photo by Arnaud Chamberlin
Ramstein Flag enables Allies to validate capabilities under dynamic conditions. Photo by Turkish Air Force
Ramstein Flag 25 reinforces the credibility and responsiveness of NATO Air Power. Photo by TSgt Jessica Avallone
These missions highlight the technical capabilities and operational trust that underpin NATO cooperation. Photo by Turkish Air Force
Allied forces are adaptable to any challenges, and interoperability remains central to collective readiness. RAFL25 highlights NATO’s strength through the seamless integration of aircraft, aircrews, and support systems. “Our flight of four Danish Panthers met up with a Turkish KC-135 at 18000 feet above the North Sea. We got a quick top off and left southbound to join the exercise”, said an F-35 pilot from Denmark’s 727 Squadron, adding “this underscores the mutual trust and strong relationships among NATO Allies, while simultaneously enhancing our operational capabilities.”, he added.
This mission highlighted both the technical capabilities and the operational trust that underpin NATO cooperation. The Turkish Air Force’s ability to seamlessly integrate with fifth-generation platforms like the F-35 reflects the Alliance’s commitment to continuous adaptation and collaboration.
RAFL25 serves as a testbed for real-world readiness, allowing Allies to validate capabilities under dynamic conditions. Fighter aircraft are operating from dispersed airbases, including the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, reflect NATO’s emphasis on distributed air operations.
By training to integrate aircraft and systems from across the Alliance, RAFL25 reinforces the credibility and responsiveness of NATO Air Power. RAFL25 not only strengthens tactical air cooperation but also deepens strategic trust; ensuring that NATO forces remain ready to deter, defend, and prevail together.