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NATO's Ramstein Flag 2025: 15 Nations Achieve First F-35 Live Data Share at Leeuwarden Air Base

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Updated Apr 16, 2025, 05:02 PM

NATO concluded its largest tactical air exercise of the year, Ramstein Flag 2025, at Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands on April 11, following two weeks of training that began on March 31. The exercise brought together forces from 15 Allied nations to train across multiple warfighting domains, including air superiority, agile combat employment, integrated air and missile defence, and counter anti-access/area denial operations. A key milestone during Ramstein Flag 2025 was achieved by the Royal Netherlands Air Force and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, who executed the first-ever live classified data exchange between an in-flight F-35 and the Dutch Keystone Command and Control (C2) system outside the United States. Using the Multifunction Advanced Datalink and Skunk Works' Open Systems Gateway, targeting data was transmitted from the F-35 to Keystone and then relayed to a rocket artillery platform, which engaged and neutralized a simulated ground target within minutes. The exercise demonstrated enhanced interoperability, with Dutch F-35s operating in an Anti-Access Area Denial environment and successfully closing the sensor-to-shooter loop. This advancement enables allied air and missile defense systems to receive precise targeting information, improving threat detection and response times. Ramstein Flag 2025 also featured cross-servicing operations between U.S. and Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35s, as well as participation from assets including MQ-9 Reapers, NH90 helicopters, and the Dutch naval frigate HNLMS Tromp. The event reinforced NATO’s ability to coordinate joint operations under high-stress, contested environments. Elsewhere in NATO training, drones have taken center stage, reflecting lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict. U.S. and German forces have intensified their focus on drone warfare, with joint training on short and medium-range reconnaissance drones, and the integration of unmanned aerial systems into modern combat scenarios. These developments align with broader efforts to modernize and adapt to contemporary warfare challenges across the alliance.

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#NATO #Ramstein Flag 2025 #Leeuwarden Air Base #Netherlands #Allied #Royal Netherlands Air Force #Lockheed Martin Skunk Works #C2 #United States #Multifunction Advanced Datalink #Skunk Works #Open Systems Gateway #Keystone #NH90 #Dutch #HNLMS Tromp #Ukraine conflict #German

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Sources

armyrecognition.com ukdefencejournal.org.uk theaviationist.com joint-forces.com

OTAN en français

@OTAN_FR

NATO ships take part in a German-led exercise in the Baltic Sea. This group training helps participants to safely improve mine detection/neutralization, which enhances maritime security in the region and beyond. ⚓ https://t.co/IHNRSjP5Ge

SHAPE - NATO Allied Command Operations

@SHAPE_NATO

No matter the hour - sunrise or starry skies - our mission stays the same: defend and protect from above. ⛅🌙✈️ Would you pick a high-flying day mission or the intensity of a night op? 🌞🌑 #WeAreNATO | #StrongerTogether | @DefenceOps | @UKNATO https://t.co/RcuejzAB0u

Army Recognition

@ArmyRecognition

#Drones Take Center Stage in #NATO #Training Amid Lessons from #Ukraine #Conflict. https://t.co/sm8Tgc6dHE @173rdAbnBde @USArmy @DeptofDefense @BelgaNewsAgency @LaTribune @Le_Figaro @TF1Info @le20hfrancetele @F3Regions @lesoir @lecho @lalibrebe @RTBFinfo @rtlinfo @vrtnws

Story Timeline

5 days ago•Latest version

NATO's Ramstein Flag 2025: 15 Nations Achieve First F-35 Live Data Share at Leeuwarden Air Base

6 days ago•Original version

NATO Exercises Enhance Military Readiness with 1,800 Sorties, 1,000 Soldiers, and F-35 Data Share

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NATO's Ramstein Flag 2025: 15 Nations Achieve First F-35 Live Data Share at Leeuwarden Air Base

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