NATO Fighter Pilots Hone Dogfighting Skills Amid Rising Tensions with Russia

Last week, over three dozen fighter pilots from nine NATO countries gathered at Ramstein Air Base in Germany for a unique U.S.-led exercise focused on sharpening air-to-air combat skills and enhancing coordination among allies. The "Ramstein 1v1" event saw pilots from the U.S., U.K., Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, and Germany engage in basic fighter maneuvers, commonly known as dogfighting. This high-stakes exercise required pilots to make rapid decisions and demonstrate quick reflexes, utilizing a variety of aircraft, including F-35A Lightning IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, Eurofighter Typhoons, French Rafales, F/A-18 Hornets, and A-4 Skyhawks.

This event marked a first for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, transforming Ramstein, typically a military airlift hub, into a fighter base for the day. Lt. Col. Michael Loringer, USAFE’s chief of weapons and tactics, emphasized the importance of such exercises for building fundamental combat skills, reaction time, physical stamina, and situational awareness. He noted that one-on-one dogfighting is critical for building trust in both a pilot's abilities and their aircraft.

The exercise took place as Russia continues to gain ground in Ukraine, in the third year of the conflict. This context has heightened the focus of the U.S. military and its allies on improving aerial combat skills to prepare for potential conflicts with advanced air forces from Russia and China.

In line with these preparations, the Air Force revived the "William Tell" aerial shooter competition last September after a nearly two-decade hiatus due to high operational demands in the Middle East. Air Combat Command has indicated plans for a 2025 William Tell competition, though dates are not yet confirmed. Additionally, NATO pilots will apply their refined offensive and defensive maneuvers at the upcoming Ramstein Flag exercise in Greece at the end of 2024, according to USAFE Commander Gen. James Hecker.

Despite the preparations, Gen. Hecker expressed a desire to avoid conflict with Russia, stressing the importance of having capable forces to deter aggression. The recent exercise at Ramstein also highlighted cooperation and mutual support among NATO allies. U.S. airmen from RAF Lakenheath in England supported the Royal Norwegian Air Force's F-35s, while the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein managed installation support and flight operations.

The exercise emphasized readiness and trust-building, culminating in a day of flying and a piano burning ceremony to honor fallen fighter pilots, a tradition dating back to World War II. Lt. Col. Loringer underscored the significance of trust and teamwork, noting that successful military operations often depend on these critical elements.