German Luftwaffe Oberst (Colonel) Michael ‘T-man’ Trautermann, commander of the German units based at Ramstein, explains that it not just about getting the aircraft , pilots and maintainers to Ramstein but also about reserving airspace so that these trainings can actually take place. Having the exercise run by USAFE at Ramstein had the added advantage that NATO Air Command is also based at Ramstein and that helped keeping lines between NATO nations short. Ramstein 1v1 will demonstrate the strength and unity of our alliance. The skills honed here will contribute significantly to our collective defense capabilities.
Oberst Trautermann also added that cross servicing is becoming a more sought-after skill. Whilst in the 1990s any NATO pilot could land at any NATO airfield and have his jet serviced this is not as common now. So having exercises like this is of great importance to both air crew and ground crew.
The exercise featured a variety of fourth and fifth-generation fighter aircraft, including F-35 Lightning IIs, Eurofighter Typhoons, Rafales, and modernized F-16s. The exercise consisted of multiple sorties, with pilots engaging in simulated dogfights and complex aerial maneuvers.
With the successful conclusion of Ramstein 1v1, NATO allies look forward to future collaborative exercises, continuing to build on the spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility that defines the transatlantic alliance.
