Turkey’s insistence on not submitting flight plans for its fighter jets that would have flown in Athens FIR jurisdiction to participate in the major NATO exercise “Ramstein Flag 24” has finally led the Turkish Air Force (THK) to withdraw its participation in the exercise.

For several weeks now, the Turks in their attempt to continue their tactic of challenging the Athens FIR, have said that submitting flight plans to the Greek side is not necessary since their aircraft would be flying in NATO airspace. Their objections were not accepted by Athens – as it could not legitimize the Turkish challenges – nor of course were they adopted by the other allied countries who normally submitted flight plans for their fighter aircraft.

Given these facts, just before the start of the big NATO exercise that will take place for the first time in Greece, the Turkish side informed Athens that it will not participate.

A similar issue was created in May 2022 when Greece organized the big NATO air exercise “Tiger Meet” in Araxos with Turkey absent.

The “Ramstein Flag 24” exercise will take place from September 30 to October 11, 2024, at the Andravida Air Base, with the participation of the majority of NATO Allies.

“Ramstein Flag 24” is a high-level exercise designed to enhance the tactical decision-making capabilities of NATO’s Joint Forces in a complex and dynamic operational environment with the main objective of strengthening cooperation, interoperability among NATO members by demonstrating their resolve, commitment and capability.

The exercise will include 4th and 5th generation aircraft, including F-35, F-16V, Rafale and other platforms.