The U.S. Air Force’s fifth-generation fighter jets, including the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, have landed at the Greek Air Base Andravida, joining the Swedish Air Force SAAB Gripen and the French Air Force Rafale. Alongside Greece’s F-16s, they are gearing up for the NATO exercise Ramstein Flag, an annual event in Greece,
bulgarianmilitary.com reports.
“Exercise Ramstein Flag represents the future of NATO exercises, centering on modern and upcoming threats. We will employ enhanced tactics and deeper integration, leading to stronger deterrence,” states NATO’s official website.
Scheduled from September 30 to October 11, 2024, Ramstein Flag is a significant NATO military exercise held in Greece. It is part of the Alliance’s innovative “Flag” series, aimed at refining air defense strategies and boosting operational compatibility among allied forces.
More than 140 fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, including the F-35, F-16V, and Rafale, are taking part in this exercise. These drills aim to replicate realistic combat settings, enhancing capabilities to counter modern threats like missile attacks and advanced air defense systems.
For the first time, Greece is hosting Ramstein Flag 2024, underscoring its strategic importance. Key bases such as Andravida and Araxos are pivotal deployment points for military forces. With advanced fighter jets like the upgraded F-16 Viper and Rafale, plus its land and naval units, Greece underscores its significant role within NATO. This bolsters its standing in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region crucial for stability amid growing geopolitical tensions.
