EXERCISE OCEAN SKY 25

By Hans van der Wilt | GMAP.NL Team | October 2025

The skies above Gran Canaria once again turned into a high-intensity training arena as Exercise Ocean Sky 25 unfolded at Gando Air Base. Hosted by the Spanish Air and Space Force, the exercise has evolved into one of Europe’s premier multinational air combat drills, bringing together advanced fighter aircraft and crews from across NATO and beyond.

A Major Multinational Air Power Event

Ocean Sky 25 ran during the second half of October 2025 and featured over 50 aircraft from six nations, including Spain, the United States, Germany, Greece, Portugal, and—remarkably—the Indian Air Force, marking the first participation of a non-NATO country.

Participating aircraft represented some of the most capable platforms in modern air warfare, including:

Eurofighter Typhoons (Spain & Germany)
F/A-18 Hornets (Spain)
F-16 Fighting Falcons (Greece & Portugal)
F-15E Strike Eagles (United States)
Su-30MKI Flankers (India)

At peak activity, up to 40 aircraft operated simultaneously, creating complex large-force scenarios rarely achievable in European airspace.

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Mission Focus: Air Superiority & Interoperability

The core objective of Ocean Sky 25 was clear: prepare aircrews for modern high-end warfare. The exercise emphasized:

Offensive Counter-Air (OCA) missions
Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) operations
Large-scale coalition air combat scenarios
Tactical leadership and mission planning
Integration between allied air forces

Pilots and mission planners operated within a fictional conflict scenario, simulating geopolitical tensions over strategic resources—forcing participants to plan and execute realistic combat operations in a contested environment.

Located on Gran Canaria, Gando Air Base offers a unique training environment:

Vast airspace over the Atlantic
Minimal civilian air traffic interference
Stable weather conditions year-round

These factors allow for safe execution of large-scale, high-tempo missions, making it one of the most valuable training locations in Europe.

Integration with Air Refuelling Operations

Ocean Sky 25 was conducted alongside the European Air Refuelling Training (EART) exercise, adding another layer of complexity. This integration enabled:

Real-time air-to-air refuelling operations
Extended mission endurance
Enhanced multinational coordination in long-range operations

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Strengthening Allied Air Power

Beyond tactical training, Ocean Sky 25 played a key strategic role:

Improved interoperability between allied and partner nations
Strengthened military partnerships and trust
Enhanced readiness for joint and combined operations

For many participants, the exercise highlighted that modern air warfare is no longer a national effort—but a coalition-driven capability where seamless cooperation is essential.

Exercise Ocean Sky 25 reaffirmed its status as one of Europe’s most demanding and important air combat exercises. With a diverse mix of aircraft, nations, and mission sets, it provided an invaluable platform for sharpening combat skills and strengthening international cooperation.

From Eurofighters and Strike Eagles to the standout Su-30MKI deployment, the skies over the Canary Islands showcased a powerful message: allied air power remains ready, integrated, and prepared for the challenges of modern warfare.