The Royal Netherlands Air Force has years of experience with the high-quality Frisian Flag. That was precisely the reason why NATO Air Command asked the armed forces to jointly organize Ramstein Flag. The name refers to the airbase in Germany where NATO leads allied air force missions.
According to Commander Air Operations Lieutenant General André Steur, the exercise is a unique opportunity for NATO allies. “Frisian Flag has been a high-quality training for many years. To use this as a blueprint for a NATO exercise is an honor for the Royal Air Force,” he previously stated.
Steur states that the air force is ready to test its limits, extend capabilities, and strengthen interoperability within the alliance.
“When it comes down to it, many people will depend on us as first responders. Tonight if necessary. The ability and willingness to fight together as allied air forces is NATOs most deterrent factor.”
According to Steur, Ramstein Flag is a unique opportunity to demonstrate this as an alliance.
The alliance trains to act in unison, reassure populations, and strengthen NATOs deterrent effect.
To create the most realistic scenario possible, the military also flies in darkness, until 23:30 hours.
Leeuwarden Air Base is located near a large training area, ensuring no training time is lost. The Frisian base also has the knowledge, experience, and facilities to organize such a large exercise.