News item | 31-03-2025 | 17:13
Fighter aircraft such as the F-35, the F-18 Hornet, the Eurofighter EF2000 and more. Furthermore, unmanned devices and helicopters. A colorful arsenal of nearly 100 aircraft from 18 NATO countries can be seen in the vicinity of Leeuwarden Air Base from today. They participate in Ramstein Flag until 11 April 2025.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force has many years of experience with the high -quality Frisian Flag. That was precisely the reason why the NATO ‘Air Command’ asked the armed forces for the jointly launching Ramstein Flag. The name refers to the airbase in Germany where NATO allows alliance air force missions.
With regard to commander Air Forces Lieutenant General André Steur, the exercise is a unique opportunity for NATO allies. “Frisian Flag has been a high-quality training for years. To use it as a blueprint for a NATO exercise is an honor for the Royal Netherlands Air Force,” he said earlier.
Most deterrent from NATO
Steur says that the Air Force is ready to test its limits, push capacities and to strengthen interoperability within the alliance.
“When it comes to it, many people will be dependent on us as the first -aid worker. Tonight if necessary. The ability and the will to fight together as allied air forces is the most deterrent factor of NATO.”
According to Steur, Ramstein Flag is a unique opportunity to show this as an alliance.
Realistic training
The Alliance trains to act unanimously, reassure populations and to strengthen the deterrent effect of NATO.
For the most realistic scenario as possible, the soldiers also fly in darkness, until 11:30 pm.
No training time lost
Leeuwarden Air Base is located at a large training area, so that no training time is lost. The Frisian basis also has the knowledge, experience and facilities for organizing such a big exercise.