Two Greek bases are set to host its largest air exercise NATO for 2024 at the inter-alliance level, the “Ramstein Flag“, which will be organized for the first time in our country.

According to Kathimerini, its 117th Fighter Wing Andravidas and its 116th Fighter Wing Monster aircraft and personnel from almost all the countries of the Alliance will be welcomed, with Greece being at the center of NATO’s plans.

From the Greek side, the participation of the entire air fleet is planned, with Rafale and the upgraded ones F-16 Viper to be at the forefront of business.

Greek is also expected to play a leading role air defensewith the activation of elements throughout the Territory while its units are expected to take part in the exercise Navy but also of Special Operationsparticipating in targeting missions.

Turkey’s participation

Competent sources clarify to “K” that Turkey will normally be invited to the exercise, as planned by the NATO headquarters.

According to the same sources, the climate of calm in Greek-Turkish offers, for the first time in decades, a rare opportunity for co-education between the two air forces in the Aegean sky.

However, it has not yet been clarified whether Turkish fighters will compensate in Araxos or Andravida or they will participate in the exercise using as bases the airports located in Asia Minor coasts.

The first steps were taken a few months ago, again under the NATO “umbrella” when Greek and Turkish planes flew in mixed formations and against each other, in air combat scenarios, together with American and British fighters. It was preceded, however, by the “expulsion” of Ankara from the NATO Tiger Meet 22 inter-alliance exercise organized in Araxos, due to Turkey’s provocative behavior and the unprecedented barrage of overflights over Greek islands.