The large tactical-level live-fly exercise, Ramstein Flag 2025 (RAFL25), concluded on April 11, reinforcing the Alliance’s commitment to readiness, interoperability, and integrated multi-domain operations. 

Hosted by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), RAFL25 brought together around 2000 personnel, over 90 aircraft from more than 15 NATO nations, operating from 12 Allied air bases across Europe. Building upon the inaugural Ramstein Flag 25 (RAFL24), this year's exercise focused on enhancing capabilities in Counter Anti-Access/Area Denial (C-A2/AD), Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), Agile Combat Employment (ACE), and information sharing among participating Allies. The scenarios provided a high-intensity training environment, challenging participants to execute complex missions across all warfighting domains: air, land, maritime, cyber, and space. General James Hecker, Commander of NATO Allied Air Command, emphasized the importance of such exercises: "Ramstein Flag 2025 underscores the Alliance’s determination to adapt, evolve, and deter potential threats across the Euro-Atlantic region." 

RAFL25 builds not only on the lessons identified during RAFL24 but also lessons from the ongoing war in Ukraine. To gain and maintain air superiority in a potential conflict is the level of ambition in every contested area of operations. “Air superiority is a premise, for the Air Force and for all domains”, added General Hecker, “we are here today practicing to ensure that if we need to get air superiority, that we have the capability to achieve it.” 

A Flag series exercise is based on traditional designations of red, i.e. enemy, and blue, i.e. friendly, aerial systems simulate Air Defence assets that engage offensive or adversary assets, during RAGL25 over 1800 sorties were completed demonstrating the training opportunities for all participating assets.

The successful execution of RAFL25 reinforces NATO's ability to respond rapidly and effectively to emerging threats. By integrating advanced tactics and fostering collaboration among member nations, the exercise contributes to the Alliance's deterrence and defence posture. 

As NATO continues to adapt to the evolving security landscape, exercises like Ramstein Flag remain vital in ensuring that Allied forces are prepared to defend the Alliance's territory and populations.