In Norway, Sweden and Finland, military manoeuvres under the code name "Ramstein Flag 2026" began today. More than 150 aircraft and sub-units from 19 NATO states will practice close Russian submarine strategical bases capable of carrying atomic weapons.
"Ramstein Flag 2026" is the largest NATO air force exercise in northern Europe this year. It is besides the largest flight manoeuvres involving Finland and Sweden since their accession to NATO in 2023 and 2024.
By 19 June, more than 150 aircraft and safety units from the 19 States of the Alliance will be trained on the NATO's northern flank. The main training base was located in Norwegian Oerland. Additionally, airports in Rovaniemi, Pirkkala and Tikkakoski in Finland and Kallax in Sweden will be used. The full task will coordinate the Joint NATO Air Operations Centre (CAOC), operating from 2025 in Bodoe, North Norway.
The troops will practice breaking the enemy's defence systems and integrated air and rocket defense.
The maneuvers include American, Norwegian, Danish and Italian F-35 fighters, Belgian, Turkish and Polish F-16s, German Eurofighters and Tornados, Spanish EF-18s and transport and air refuelling aircraft. Polish F-16 and school-training M-346 Bielik will operate from the Finnish Tikkakoski base.
The main operations will be conducted in northern Norway and Finland, along the border with Russia's Kolsko Peninsula. There are many strategical bases of Russian North Fleet submarines capable of carrying atomic weapons.
APW, PAP
