Over 90 NATO-allied fighter jets involved in RAFL25 exercise

NATO allied jets are conduct complex multi-domain operations during Ramstein Flag 25 (RAFL25), supported by seven air-to-air refuelling assets from Canada, France, Italy, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Led by NATO Allied Air Command, the exercise tests NATO’s ability to command and control large groups of planes performing a variety of missions all at once. A maasive airpower drill is being conducted in the airspaces of the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark until 11 April.

According to NATO statement, RAFL25 features over 90  fighter jets from 15 NATO Allies, all flying from 12 air bases across Europe, including F-35s, Rafales, Eurofighters, Gripens, F-16s, and F-18s, conduct 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.

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.

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