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BRUNSSUM, The Netherlands – RAMSTEIN FLAG 2025 (RAFL25), Allied Air Command’s flagship training series, is currently underway at Leeuwarden Air Base, in the Netherlands, and other bases across Europe.

RAFL25 requires participants to practice multi-domain warfare by integrating elements from land, maritime, and special operations forces

The major multinational live-fly exercise kicked off on March 31, and will continue until its conclusion on Apr. 11.

RAFL25 features nearly 100 aircraft from 18 Allied nations and enhances the Alliance’s readiness and deterrence posture through advanced air combat training and integrated multi-domain operations. The exercise is designed to prepare NATO air forces for rapid and coordinated response in high-pressure scenarios.

“Ramstein Flag 2025 underscores the Alliance’s determination to adapt, evolve, and deter potential threats across the Euro-Atlantic region,” said Gen. James Hecker, AIRCOM commander. “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.”

This year’s iteration places particular emphasis on Counter Anti-Access/Area Denial, Integrated Air and Missile Defence, and Agile Combat Employment, all of which are critical to safeguarding NATO nations and their populations from modern threats.

At the core of RAFL25 is a simulated Article 5 scenario, where an attack on one NATO member triggers a collective response. This sets the stage for complex, realistic missions that test interoperability, tactical decision-making, and the ability to operate under contested conditions. The exercise mirrors the early stages of real-world conflict, challenging participants to apply strategic airpower in fast-moving, uncertain environments. Pilots and weapons officers from across the Alliance fly simulated missions that require coordination, precision, and resilience, sharpening their skills while reinforcing collective defence capabilities.

A defining feature of RAFL25 is its focus on distributed operations. Allied forces are spread across multiple bases in Europe, leveraging NATO’s vast territorial reach and infrastructure. The ability to disperse, regroup, and project airpower at short notice is a crucial advantage in today’s evolving security environment.

In addition to air combat training, RAFL25 requires participants to practice multi-domain warfare by integrating elements from land, maritime, and special operations forces. Scenarios include neutralizing long-range missile systems, executing ballistic missile defence strategies, and sharing real-time intelligence, all aimed at creating a coordinated response to aggressive “opponents.”

Aircraft participating in RAFL25 include F-35s, F-18 Hornets, Eurofighter Typhoons, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems illustrating the technological capabilities and cooperation among Allies. The exercise is hosted near Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands, a symbolic location that highlights NATO’s interconnected network of bases capable of supporting operations across the Euro-Atlantic region.