In a landmark event, four Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets have arrived at Greece’s Andravida Air Base, stationed alongside the 117th Fighter Wing. These aircraft are gearing up for a significant milestone in international military cooperation: NATO’s Ramstein Flag 24, the first instance of this prestigious air defence exercise to be held outside of Germany.
Scheduled from September 30th to October 11th, 2024, Ramstein Flag 24 will unfold in Greece’s West Peloponnese region. Organized by NATO’s Allied Air Command, the exercise brings together air, maritime, and land forces from over 13 allied nations. This unique event allows participants to train and test advanced air defense tactics in a realistic, multi-domain environment.
What is the Ramstein Flag?
Designed to reflect the dynamic geopolitical landscape, Ramstein Flag 24 embodies the future of NATO exercises. “As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, so too must NATO exercise design,” stated General James B. Hecker, Commander of Allied Air Command. He emphasized, “Ramstein Flag signifies the future of NATO exercises, focusing on current and future threats.”
The exercise promises to be an intense display of military capability. Over 140 allied fighter and support aircraft will participate, alongside maritime, land, and special operations forces. This integrated force will execute various aspects of joint air power, showcasing NATO’s ability to counter emerging threats.
A particular focus of Ramstein Flag 24 will be on practising counter anti-access/area denial tactics and integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) procedures. C-A2/AD strategies aim to neutralize an adversary’s military capabilities, while IAMD focuses on creating a robust shield against aerial and ballistic missile threats.
Beyond honing military skills, Ramstein Flag 24 is crucial in strengthening cooperation and interoperability among NATO nations. This collaborative exercise is a powerful demonstration of NATO’s resolve and commitment to defending the alliance through multi-domain operations.
In Greece, the Indian Rafale fighter jets have already begun joint training missions with Greek Rafales and Mirage 2000-5 fighters. This collaborative effort provides valuable experience before the larger exercise commences.
The skies over Greece are set to witness a historic display of airpower as Ramstein Flag 24 unfolds. The participation of the Indian Air Force Rafales marks a significant moment in international military cooperation, promising a thrilling display of tactical prowess and strategic unity in the coming days.
