NATO Allied Air Command and Royal Netherlands Air Force to host Ramstein Flag Media Days at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, 8-9 April
RAMSTEIN, Germany – NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) and the Royal Netherlands Air Force will host media days for Ramstein Flag 25 (RAFL25) at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, 8-9 April. Interested media must register on the AIRCOM website to participate in the media days: https://ac.nato.int/ramstein-flag/news/media-registration-form deadline for applications is 28 March.
These media days intentionally coincide with the distinguished visitor day, 9 April, in which Allied air chiefs and representatives will be in attendance to observe RAFL25 and will be available for on-the-record interviews. Attending media will have various opportunities, to include, but not limited to: engaging with aircrew; interviewing AIRCOM’s commander, General James B. Hecker, and other notable senior officials; documenting and capturing imagery of Allied fighter aircraft; and learning about NATO’s Deployable Air Command and Control Centre (DACCC).
RAFL25 is a large-scale tactical-level live-fly exercise, coinciding with the Dutch-led Frisian Flag series exercise, held from 31 March to 11 April 2025. RAFL25 sets a new standard for operational integration, with participation from over 90 Allied fighter jets, support aircraft and assets, operating from 12 Allied air bases, supported by over 15 NATO nations. Leeuwarden Air Base in particular will host six of the over 15 NATO Allies participating in RAFL25. The Dutch will host aircraft and assets from Germany, Sweden, Finland, France, and Greece at Leeuwarden Air Base.
“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.”
Participating aircrews will face dynamic challenges, honing skills essential for achieving air superiority and defending against emerging threats. “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.”
The program for the media days is still fluid. At this time opportunities for attending media during the media days include, but are not limited to:
Documenting/observing take-offs of fighters from 6 Allied nations at Leeuwarden Air Base.
Briefs and interviews with the Commander of AIRCOM, NATO Air Chiefs or their representative, and aircrew and operators.
Potential tour or engagement of DACCC
There are a limited number of spaces available for the media days on Leeuwarden Air Base. Registration will not automatically guarantee a place for the Media Days. You will be notified shortly after the closing date.
For media interested in participating in the RAFL25 media days, 8-9 April, or any other opportunities during RAFL25, registration is mandatory.
The registration deadline is Friday, 28 March. To register, please directly contact:
Stay up to date with current and relevant content, news, and updates on RAFL25 by tracking NATO Allied Air Command’s Ramstein Flag feature page: Ramstein Flag
For any general questions or request for information, contact NATO Allied Air Command Public Affairs, +49(0)6371-40-2027/2029,
a10@ac.nato.int, natoaircom@gmail.com.