Ramstein Flag 2026: The Baptism of Fire for NATO's New Combat Doctrines

The activity, led by the Allied Air Command in Ramstein, involved personnel and assets from 18 allied countries, including Italy, with a significant contribution of men and aircraft from the Italian Air Force.

The Exercise Execution

"Ramstein Flag 2026" (RAFL2026), the large-scale, multi-domain exercise conducted by NATO's Allied Air Command, concluded between June 8 and 19, 2026. The "livex" event saw over 200 aircraft and personnel from 18 allied nations operating from more than 20 host bases, with an average of 150 daily flight sorties within increasingly complex training scenarios.

The Contribution of the Italian Air Force

The exercise, primarily hosted by Denmark, Spain, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, saw the participation of the Italian Air Force, which, through the Air Squad Command and 1st Air Region, managed the operational and training organization of the event.

The Air Force deployed a significant package of assets: F-35 aircraft from the 6th Wing of Ghedi and the 32nd Wing of Amendola at the Ørland base (Norway), Tornado aircraft from the 6th Wing of Ghedi in Albacete (Spain), along with the support of KC-767 tankers from the 14th Wing and C-130J transports from the 46th Air Brigade.

Strategic Objectives

Developed on the concept of “train as we fight,” RAFL2026's main objective was to refine tactics and procedures among allied air forces and strengthen NATO's defensive commitment. Crews tested high-threat scenarios and consolidated the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) doctrine, focused on the rapid dispersion of forces on austere runways.

Command, Control, and Logistics

Tactical command and control activities were carried out by a component of the DACCC from Poggio Renatico, deployed in various locations in Sweden and at the CAOC in Bodø, Norway.

The Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, Air Force General Antonio Conserva, emphasized the importance of this commitment in strengthening NATO's readiness and defensive capabilities. The logistical effort, also supported by the 3rd Division of the Logistics Command, ensured an operational readiness of over 90%, introducing new digital platforms for monitoring strategic networks and logistical management.