RAF personnel and intelligence gathering aircraft have taken part in a major US led NATO exercise from Greece, a first of its kind Exercise: Ramstein Flag
Combining the live and synthetic training environments, Ramstein Flag offers a unique opportunity for the Alliance to exercise Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) tactics, techniques and procedures in NATO’s 75th year. A highly responsive, robust, time-critical and persistent capability that ensures NATO protects populations, territories and forces against any ballistic missile threats.
An RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft from 51 Squadron, which is part of the RAF’s Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Force, was involved in the exercise which brought together more than 130 Allied aircraft from 12 Allies.
The Rivet Joint is an exceptional capability which delivers insight to commanders at all levels. Exercise Ramstein Flag provides an excellent opportunity to practice and iterate NATO processing, exploitation and dissemination techniques across the alliance.
Wing Commander Bisset
Officer Commanding 51 Squadron
The main objective of Ramstein Flag 24 is to strengthen cooperation, interoperability, integration and to demonstrate NATO’s resolve, commitment and ability to deter potential adversaries and defend the Alliance through multi-domain operations.
Air Officer Commanding 11 Group was keen to emphasise the critical importance Royal Air Force personnel and capabilities play in supporting NATO.
Exercise RAMSTEIN FLAG is a great example of how the RAF works with its allies to enhance our collective defence. Our people and capabilities are delivering at the highest level, supporting this first of its kind exercise. Working together like this showcases our interoperability and warfighting capability, helping us meet the evolving security challenges that we face today.
Air Vice-Marshal Burke
Air Officer Commanding 11 Group
Playing a vital role in maintaining a secure air space for UK and NATO partners is the work of the Space and Cyber Teams from UK Space Command and the RAF. Space is integral to defence and security as well as our economies, our way of life, and our broader national interests.
Through collaboration with NATO allies and partners, UK Space Command has supported Air, Land and Maritime forces by ensuring the continued provision of Space Domain Awareness, and Space Products, Services, and Effects. This has included satellite communications and missile warning, enhancing multi-domain operations in wider defence.
Ex RAMSTEIN FLAG has provided UK Space Command personnel a superb opportunity to collaborate with other partners from across NATO in order to integrate Space and space services into Air planning to enhance mission success.
The exercise has also enabled UK personnel to benefit from the breadth of experience and knowledge that exists within NATO – particularly regarding the Space domain. Exposure to other working practices employed across the alliance has also enhanced interoperability and shared understanding.
UK Space Command member
