From 30 September to 11 October 2024, the “Ramstein Flag 24” exercise will take place at Andravida Air Base, with the participation of the majority of NATO Allies.
The exercise will include more than 140 4th and 5th generation warplanes, including F-35, F-16V, Rafale, and others, as well as support aircraft from 13 Allies.
In particular, more than 120 fighters will take part, including F-35s from the US and Italy, Rafale and Mirage 2000-5 from France, as well as Gripen from Sweden and Hungary, Eurofighter Typhoon from Spain and Italy, US F-18s and F-16s from Poland, Portugal and Romania.
It should be noted that Turkey’s insistence on not submitting flight plans for its fighter jets that would have flown in FIR Athens jurisdiction in order to participate in the major NATO exercise “Ramstein Flag 24” eventually led the neighbors to decide not to participate in the exercise.
This is a high-level exercise, which is taking place for the first time in Europe and its organization was undertaken by the Hellenic Air Force, in which missions from 13 countries of the alliance will participate. The exercise is designed in a complex and dynamic operational environment to enhance the tactical decision-making capabilities of NATO Joint Forces in a complex and dynamic operational environment. The main objective is to enhance cooperation, and interoperability among NATO members by demonstrating their resolve, commitment, and capability.
During the “Ramstein Flag 24” exercise, two Spotters days are planned, on October 1, and October 8, during which photographers from all over the world will be able to photograph the warplanes.