RAMSTEIN 1v1 EXERCISE

Ramstein 1v1 Exercise: Gun Heroes

In a display of military cooperation and readiness, NATO allies gathered at Ramstein Air Base in Germany for the highly anticipated Ramstein 1v1 exercise in June 2024. This multinational event brought together air forces from across the alliance to enhance interoperability, strengthen partnerships, and showcase the latest advancements in aerial warfare tactics.

Bas Stubert and Leo Koudijs report for Global Military Aviation Photography (GMAP) from Ramstein Air Base during exercise Ramstein 1v1.

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Ramstein 1v1 is US Air Forces in Europe’s first-ever basic fighter maneuvers exercise at Ramstein Air Base, during which military aviators from nine NATO countries engaged in a friendly, tactical exercise to test their rapid decision-making and precise reactions to adversary maneuvers in a high-pressure, demanding setting.

Exercise leader Lieutenant Colonel Kyle ‘Cyclone’ Rutherford explained that Ramstein 1v1 includes both aviators and aircrew from nine NATO countries, bringing 37 NATO aircraft to Ramstein. The Ramstein 1v1 exercise is similar to the US Navy’s Fighter Weapons School (better known as Top Gun) 1v1 event. Basic fighter maneuvering (BFM), perhaps better known as dog fighting, is a foundational skill for fighter pilots. Additionally, we talk a lot about interoperability and today, we are exemplifying that capability by having jets cross serviced by ground crews from other countries. For example, the Norwegian F-35’s could only participate today based on US maintainers offering to help to service their aircraft. Furthermore, Ramstein 1v1 is a prime opportunity to hone our skills in a fun but learning experience that builds camaraderie amongst all the participants.

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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.

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