Royal Air Force Air Mobility Force personnel helped sustain NATO air power during Exercise Ramstein Flag 26, delivering more than 250 tonnes of fuel to Allied aircraft over a 10-day period in support of one of the Alliance’s largest tactical air exercises.
Bringing together around 200 Allied aircraft, enablers and NATO assets from 18 nations operating across approximately 20 locations throughout Europe, Exercise Ramstein Flag 26 provided high-end, multinational training designed to strengthen NATO’s collective defence and ensure Allied air forces can operate seamlessly together in increasingly complex operational environments.
For the Royal Air Force, the exercise demonstrated that modern air power depends not only on combat aircraft, but on the people and capabilities that enable them. From extending the reach of Allied fighters through air-to-air refuelling to supporting multinational operations across Europe, RAF personnel played a vital role in ensuring the Alliance remained ready to respond.
Throughout the exercise, Air Mobility Force personnel delivered more than 250 tonnes of fuel to Allied aircraft, enabling NATO air power to train at scale and sustain operational tempo across the battlespace.
The Voyager fleet remained available throughout the exercise, ensuring refuelling support was consistently available whenever Allied aircraft required it. Across ten operational missions, RAF crews extended the reach and endurance of partner nations’ aircraft, including those from the Czech Republic, France, Germany and Sweden, highlighting the interoperability and trust that sit at the heart of NATO air operations.
"Exercise Ramstein Flag again proved the Voyager Force at its best, reliable aircraft, expert crews, and seamless integration with our Allies on land, at sea and in the air. Crucially, it reinforced that air-to-air refuelling is fundamental to NATO’s ability to project power, remain effective, and stay ready to respond."
Wing Commander Nicholas
Officer Commanding 10 Squadron
The deployment also formed part of Operation Firecrest, supporting the Royal Air Force’s contribution to the UK’s 2026 Carrier Strike Group deployment. While the Carrier Strike Group projects maritime power around the globe, the RAF provides the air mobility and enabling capabilities that allow Allied air power to operate as a single integrated force - demonstrating the Service’s commitment to being Built to Respond, whether operating from land or at sea.
Exercise Ramstein Flag focused on strengthening collective defence through realistic multinational training, including Agile Combat Employment and integrated air operations across dispersed locations. By working alongside NATO Allies, RAF personnel refined common tactics, strengthened interoperability and reinforced the partnerships that underpin the Alliance’s ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats.
Whether supporting NATO air operations across Europe or enabling the UK’s Carrier Strike Group under Operation Firecrest, the Royal Air Force continues to demonstrate that operational success depends not only on those at the front of the fight, but on the people who keep Allied aircraft fuelled, supported and ready for whatever comes next.
