Allied fighter and transport jets, among others from Greece, France, Italy, Sweden and the United States, have touched down in Andravida Air Base over the last days. NATO and French Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) will provide control of air operations.
Upon bedding down at the various ramps on the Hellenic Air Base, the air and ground crew will be preparing to conduct combined flying in support of the first Flag exercise NATO and Allies Air Command have organized.
Following mass briefings for pilots, initial planning sessions and overall awareness training the jets are conducting familiarization flights in the Western Peloponnese region before the first exercise take offs will occur from September 30 to October 10.
Lead by Allied Air Command and hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, exercise Ramstein Flag is designed to strengthen cooperation, interoperability and integration among Allies.
“Exercise Ramstein Flag signifies the future of NATO exercises, focusing on current and future threats,” said General James B. Hecker, Commander of Allied Air Command. “We will execute further improved tactics, more robust integration leading to stronger deterrence,” he added.
Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office