Leeuwarden Air Base, in The Netherlands is hosting the international exercise Ramstein Flag from March 31 to April 11 2025.

Ramstein Flag is an evolution of earlier NATO air exercises, including the well-known Frisian Flag, which had been held annually since the 1990s. However, in 2025, Ramstein Flag takes over from Frisian Flag as the primary large-scale air exercise hosted by NATO. The exercise is named after Ramstein Air Base in Germany, which serves as the headquarters for NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM).

Leeuwarden Air Base (AB) in the Netherlands plays a central role in the Ramstein Flag exercise, which is held annually by NATO. This air base is a key hub for air operations during the exercise, serving as a launch point for many participating aircraft.

The base is strategically positioned to provide quick access to the North Sea and surrounding airspaces used during the exercises. It is capable of hosting multiple fighter aircraft and is known for its large and highly capable airspace, making it ideal for large-scale air combat training.

For Ramstein Flag, hundreds of spotters from all kinds of countries gathered along (partially closed) roads and paths around the airbase. Equipped with traps, stools, telephoto lenses and earplugs.

Aircraft Involved at Leeuwarden: Notable participants include the F-16 Fighting Falcon Greece, Eurofighter Typhoon Germany, F-35A Lightning II Nethelands and United States, Rafale B France, Saab Gripen Sweden and F/A-18C Hornet Finland.

Jeroen Vogelaar