Allied jets continue to execute complex multi-domain operations during Ramstein Flag 25 (RAFL25), supported by seven air-to-air refueling assets from Allies Canada, France, Italy, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States. RAFL25 features over 90 Allied fighter jets, including F-35s, Rafales, Eurofighters, Gripens, F-16s, and F-18s, conducting advanced combat scenarios as part of Allied Air Command’s Premier Flag Series exercise. Aerial refueling plays a crucial role in sustaining these complex mission sets, allowing aircraft to remain airborne for extended periods, reducing downtime, and enhancing mission effectiveness.
Fighter jets are operating from multiple airbases across the European theatre as RAFL25 emphasized the concept of distributed air operations. Providing the essential refueling capability are the Canadian Polaris CC-150, Italian E550A, and Turkish KC-135R, alongside a Voyager from the United Kingdom, a United States KC-135 Stratotanker, and the A330 MRTT from the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit. The exercise scenario enhances operational flexibility, ensures resilience to potential threats to fixed installations, and enabling a more effective dispersal of air power. Air-to-Air refueling enables NATO assets to conduct and sustain missions.
U.S. Air Force personnel and aircraft are participating in NATO Allied Air Command’s Ramstein Flag 2025 exercise March 31 to Apr. 11 at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, and other bases across Europe. Exercises like RAFL25 are integral to NATO success, allowing Allies and partners to demonstrate their shared commitment to European security. This year’s exercise, hosted by the Royal Netherlands Air Force, will emphasize distributed operations across 12 allied bases in Europe. Operating from multiple bases will test U.S. and NATO forces’ combat power and ability to respond at a moment’s notice with lethal force.
The capability to refuel aircraft mid-air is a critical force multiplier, enabling Allied forces to execute dynamic and distributed air operations seamlessly, enhancing interoperability among NATO members. This reinforces the Alliance’s ability to project air power and maintain air superiority. RAFL25 highlights the agility of NATO forces, and is a key demonstration of NATO’s air power, resilience, and commitment to collective defence; ensuring NATO air forces are prepared to meet the challenges of an evolving security landscape.
