RAMSTEIN, Germany - NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) is set to launch Ramstein Flag 2025 (RAFL25), a large-scale tactical-level live-fly exercise, from 31 March to 11 April 2025.
Originating in 1975, the Flag-series exercises conduct multiple scenarios designed to provide realistic combat settings. A Flag exercise involves participants from Allied Air Forces and provides them with lifelike training in a complex, contested environment. Based on traditional designations of red, i.e. enemy, and blue, i.e. friendly, aerial systems simulate Air Defence assets that engage offensive or adversary assets.
We are proud to host this year’s edition of Ramstein Flag in the Netherlands, ready to test our limits, push our capabilities and reinforce interoperability across the Alliance
Hosted by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), this event will involve over 90 aircraft operating from 12 Allied air bases supported by over 15 NATO nations.
This year’s exercise, which runs in conjunction with the Dutch-led Frisian Flag series, is designed to provide Allied forces with advanced training in a complex, contested operational environment. Priorities for RAFL25 include exercising Counter Anti-Access/Area Denial (C-A2AD), Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), Agile Combat Employment (ACE), and seamless information sharing across Allied nations. These objectives reflect AIRCOM's focus on ensuring the air component’s readiness to respond rapidly in Article 5 scenarios, where NATO’s collective defence commitments are invoked.
Additionally, RAFL25 will exercise the NATO air component’s agile and immediate ability to execute the first five days of an Air Tasking Order (ATO) during such a scenario.
This year’s exercise, which runs in conjunction with the Dutch-led Frisian Flag series, is designed to provide Allied forces with advanced training in a complex, contested operational environment. Photo Courtesy: Royal Netherlands Air Force
Following the inaugural RAFL24, which involved 130 aircraft and over 2,000 sorties in Greece, RAFL25 sets a new standard for operational integration across air, land, maritime, cyber and space domains. Photo Courtesy: Hellenic Air Force
“Ramstein Flag 2025 underscores the Alliance’s determination to adapt, evolve, and deter potential threats across the Euro-Atlantic region,” said General James Hecker, Commander of NATO Allied Air Command. “This year’s exercise builds on the successes of Ramstein Flag 2024 and continues to push the boundaries of realistic, high-intensity training to enhance NATO’s deterrence and defence posture.”
Following the inaugural RAFL24, which involved 130 aircraft and over 2,000 sorties in Greece, RAFL25 sets a new standard for operational integration across air, land, maritime, cyber and space domains. Scenarios will focus on defending NATO airspace and sovereignty, while executing distributed operations across NATO
Unlike RAFL24, this year’s iteration will involve 12 Allied air bases across the Alliance. NATO’s Airpower benefits from the unique capabilities of its 32-member nations, pooling together a wide array of assets from myriad different Allied Air Bases. This covers nearly 25 million square kilometers of NATO territory to execute distributed operations in any scenario or contingency. Distributing air operations across various locations across NATO requires speed, flexibility, and adaptability, which will be exercised during Ramstein Flag 2025.
The multinational exercise also highlights NATO's collective strength, with Allied fighter jets, support aircraft, and assets working alongside special forces and maritime units, showcasing NATO’s multi-domain capabilities. Participating aircrews will face dynamic challenges, honing skills essential for achieving air superiority and defending against emerging threats. This collaboration strengthens interoperability, ensuring NATO can effectively operate as a cohesive force.
“We are proud to host this year’s edition of Ramstein Flag in the Netherlands, ready to test our limits, push our capabilities and reinforce interoperability across the Alliance,” said Lieutenant General André Steur, Commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. “When push comes to shove, many will depend on us as a First Responder — tonight if need be. The ability and will to fight together among Allied Air Forces remains NATO’s most significant deterrent. This high-end exercise offers a unique opportunity for the Alliance and its member nations to enhance their readiness.”
RAFL25’s focus on distributed operations and integration of multi-domain capabilities is critical in maintaining NATO’s ability to counter evolving threats. By providing cutting-edge training and fostering innovation, the exercise reflects NATO's enduring commitment to shared security and stability.
For more information from the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) - https://www.defensie.nl/onderwerpen/ramstein-flag