Germany is aware that if Putin wins Ukraine, Europe, and especially Berlin, will be next. For this reason, the German Air Force has launched a training program together with NATO partners for the scenario of a Russian attack on alliance territory.
The "Ramstein Flag" exercise is taking place on the Dutch North Sea coast to practice how allied ground troops can be relied upon in defensive combat against invaders, writes A2.
Germany has sent eight Eurofighters to the Dutch air base for training. According to NATO, more than 90 planes, helicopters and drones are involved in the “Ramstein Flag” exercise. Among them are several American F-35 jets, which are considered the most modern fighter jets in the world and were recently ordered by Germany.
For NATO, the exercise is important to see whether member countries' air forces can work together smoothly and effectively in the event of an alliance. It is also intended to send a message to Russia.
“We hope that exercises like this will deter our adversary,” says US General James Hecker, commander of NATO’s Allied Air Command based in Ramstein. The aim is that the capabilities trained will never be used, but that NATO will always be able to use them in an emergency.
Regarding speculation about a possible US withdrawal from Europe, Hecker said that they are still trying to figure out exactly what the new President Donald Trump's political plans are. However, he is certain that the US will continue to have a presence in Europe. This is also reflected in the fact that plans are already being made for another edition of the "Ramstein Flag" exercise.
In Berlin, they are expressing concern about Donald Trump's political moves. Norbertt Rottgen, the CDU's foreign policy representative, said that Germany will build up its defense capability "step by step with massive amounts of money." "This is a new self-image that we have. It is not only a matter of responsibility, but also of interests. We see that the Americans are no longer doing this. And we see how Putin is waging this war and is continuing to arm himself so that he is able to wage war beyond Ukraine," he said.
Meanwhile, NATO also concluded a multinational exercise in the Black Sea, near the Romanian city of Constanta. The exercise included maritime defense infrastructure, amphibious operations, and the protection of maritime communications. (A2 Televizion)
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