U.S. tests readiness in Ramstein Flag 2025 exercise Published March 28, 2025 By U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Air Force personnel and aircraft are participating in NATO Allied Air Command’s Ramstein Flag 2025 exercise March 31 to Apr. 11 at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, and other bases across Europe. RAFL25 is a multi-domain, tactical-level live fly exercise to train, demonstrate and advance combined warfare capabilities including agile combat employment, integrated air and missile defense, and counter anti-access and area denial in a simulated Article 5 scenario. Exercises like RAFL25 are integral to NATO success, allowing Allies and partners to demonstrate their shared commitment to European security. This year’s exercise, hosted by the Royal Netherlands Air Force, will emphasize distributed operations across 12 allied bases in Europe. Operating from multiple bases will test U.S. and NATO forces’ combat power and ability to respond at a moment's notice with lethal force. “Ramstein Flag 2025 underscores the Alliance’s determination to adapt, evolve, and deter potential threats across the Euro-Atlantic region,” said Gen. James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and AIRCOM commander. “This year’s exercise builds on the successes of Ramstein Flag 2024 and continues to push the boundaries of realistic, high-intensity training to enhance NATO’s deterrence and defense posture.” U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs from the 48th Fighter Wing, based at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, and members from the 19th Electronic Warfare Squadron, USAFE-AFAFRICA Warfare Center, from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, will operate from Leeuwarden Air Base. U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, based at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, will contribute one of four participating aerial refuelers to support U.S. and Ally participants in the exercise. RAFL25 showcases the U.S. Air Force’s ability to project power, execute complex missions, and operate seamlessly with NATO Allies across multiple domains. Through dynamic and integrated training, our forces sharpen their lethality, strengthen our warfighting capabilities, reinforce our commitment to NATO Allies, and provides deterrence against potential adversaries. For media queries, please contact USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil. For additional information, please refer to the official release from the Royal Netherlands Air Force and the official release from NATO Allied Air Command. -30-