Introduction

NATO conducted its first Ramstein Flag (RAFL) in Greece from 30 September to 11 October 2024. The exercise was spearheaded by NATO Allied Air Command, conducted across Greek airspace, and represents a transformative step in the Alliance’s combat readiness. This year’s RAFL24 united over 130 aircraft from 12 NATO nations to engage in advanced Counter-Anti-Access/Area Denial (C-A2AD) and Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) tactics. This high-stakes training, inspired by US Red Flag exercises, underscores NATO’s commitment to reinforcing defence preparation amidst evolving European security challenges.

Greece, an Excellent Host

Greece was chosen to host RAFL24 due to several factors. The nation has a proven track record in conducting large-scale air exercises, evidenced by its annual ’Iniochos’ exercises. Greece’s diverse airspace, featuring expansive maritime and mountainous regions and favourable weather, enabled varied and realistic scenarios for participating NATO forces. The infrastructure support from Andravida Airbase, the Hellenic Air Tactics Center, and the Fighter Weapons School was pivotal in accommodating such a robust exercise, highlighting Greece’s readiness to host complex multinational exercises.

Structure and Significance of RAFL

RAFL is designed to model the realistic air combat scenarios of the United States’ Red Flag exercises. This framework allows participants from Allied air forces to experience operational environments that simulate contested and hostile conditions. Like Red Flag, participants engaged in highly realistic combat missions designed to improve tactical responses, survivability, and skill development within a safe training environment managed by professional White Force personnel. The Commander of NATO AIRCOM, General Hecker relays ‘Exercise Ramstein Flag signifies the future of NATO exercises, focusing on current and future threats. We will execute further improved tactics, and more robust integration leading to stronger deterrence.’

Strategic Objective and Scenarios

The primary objective of RAFL24 was to enhance NATO’s C-A2AD and IAMD capabilities by preparing pilots to defeat complex air defence systems, enemy fighters, and surface-to-air missile attacks. The scenarios increased in intensity throughout the exercise and included countering advanced threats which mirrored real-world challenges along NATO’s border. This intense training is critical given the increased frequency of Russian missile and aircraft activities near NATO territories since the Ukrainian conflict intensified. True to General Hecker’s word, RAFL24 was an exercise in integrating capabilities across domains and testing the resilience of NATO forces in extreme combat scenarios, reflecting NATO’s proactive stance to deter would-be aggressors.

Combat Units and Threat Simulations

To maintain the authenticity of the exercise, Greek forces provided realistic Red Air replications with fighter jets from the Hellenic Air Force and Surface-Based Air and Missile Defence (SBAMD) systems from the Hellenic Army and Navy. Additional support came from POLYGONE threat emitters that simulated various adversary Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems, providing long, medium, and short-range air defence. A pilot from the USAF’s 493rd F-35 squadron – ‘Grim Reapers’ – relayed that this was the first time he’d flown in such a highly dense threat environment, with so many aircraft airborne, and in such a complicated scenario. For this young fighter pilot, this formative experience will forever be cemented in his ethos.

Outcomes and Future Prospects

RAFL24 marked a significant milestone in NATO’s defence preparedness, demonstrating NATO’s commitment to maintaining stability in Europe by adapting to the latest geopolitical developments. The exercise underscored the need for meticulous planning, flexibility, and a proactive approach to anticipate and resolve challenges, essential for executing large-scale multinational exercises, and indeed, actual operations.
Looking ahead, the Netherlands will host RAFL25, drawing on the nation’s experience with its national ’Frisian Flag’ exercise. Having participated in RAFL24, Dutch personnel will bring valuable insights to ensure RAFL’s continued success as it transitions to executing every odd year.

Conclusion

While NATO does not seek conflict, it knows that preparation is key to deterrence. Ramstein Flag 2024 reinforced NATO’s air defence capabilities and strategic readiness in a rapidly changing security landscape. As NATO continues to develop its operational capabilities, exercises like RAFL24 showcase the Alliance’s ability to respond decisively to complex threats, solidifying its role as a bulwark for European stability and security.