Collective airspace, collective responsibility – Gripens in NATO formation

The Hungarian Defence Forces are taking part with five JAS 39C/D tactical fighter jets in the exercise that covers the airspaces of the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany. During the training event, the aircrews of the HDF 101st Aviation Wing are fly sorties in multinational formations, and even conduct missions together with fifth-generation fighter aircraft, including F-35s. All these provide them with new opportunities to learn about the methodology of the planning process used by the US Air Force, to expand operational lessons learned in the use of Gripens, and to further develop deployability.

As part of his program, General Böröndi – whose entourage also included Brigadier General Ferenc Könczöl, Commander, HDF 101st Aviation Wing – held an official discussion with Major General Jan Dam, Chief of the Royal Danish Air Force. At the discussion, they concurred that multinational NATO exercises have great strategic significance for developing interoperability and strengthening unified allied action. The Danish major general pointed out the community-forming power of the exercise as well as the importance of joint training and personal military relations.

Lieutenant Colonel Attila Ványik, the contingent commander of the Hungarian personnel deployed to Denmark reported to the Chief of Defence in detail about the objectives of the exercise, its conduct, as well as the role and tasks of the Hungarian contingent. Afterwards, at the staff meeting, General Böröndi thanked the Hungarian airmen for their exemplary professional performance, and then participated in a joint briefing of the multinational formation, and also in the own tasking of the Hungarian personnel.

Exercise Ramstein Flag 2025 means at once training, harmony and a strategic message: NATO is capable of effectively operating as a unified force in all airspaces. The Hungarian Defence Forces’ presence contributes to this collective defence posture – said the Chief of HDF Defence Staff. While praising the Hungarian airmen’s preparedness, he pointed out that the participation of the Hungarian Defence Forces is an important message from the aspect of Alliance policy and operations, as the exercise is also about trust and the collective future.

Ramstein Flag 2025 is the annual flagship training exercise of the NATO Allied Air Command, which is being held between 31 March and 11 April this year. Its concept is built on the United States Air Force Exercise Red Flag, so the objective is to “train as you fight” – which means the development of air combat capabilities in a lifelike, large-scale environment through training against realistic opponents.

The first Ramstein Flag exercise was held in October 2024 in Greece, with the participation of more than 130 aircraft from 12 countries. This year, directed by the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the exercise involves more than 90 aircraft from more than 15 NATO member states operating from Leeuwarden Air Base and other bases across Europe. By taking off to conduct operations from 12 airbases of several European countries, the participating nations start out with different aircraft operating from dispersed airbases, but as soon as they are airborne, they constitute a single combat force.

The objective of training in realistic combat scenarios is to practice multidomain operations, improve interoperability and develop quick and effective responsiveness. During the exercise, allied airpowers are cooperating with land and maritime units as well as special forces, thereby demonstrating NATO’s adaptability and deterrence posture against the security challenges of the 21st century.