The “Ramstein 1v1 Exercise 2024” was a multinational air force exercise with a primary focus on Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM), specifically one-on-one air combat scenarios. The aim of the exercise was to train and refine classic air combat skills (dogfight) under realistic conditions while strengthening interoperability and cooperation within NATO.
The exercise took place in 2024 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and was hosted by U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFA).
Belgium and the Netherlands with their F-16’s and F-35’s
Overview
The exercise included multiple NATO member nations, which deployed fighter aircraft, pilots, and ground support personnel. This approach ensured that not only flying operations but also ground coordination and logistical cooperation were trained in a multinational environment.
Pilots from nine NATO nations trained for about 6 hours in one-on-one air combat scenarios, using a mix of fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft such as the F-35, F-16, Eurofighter, Rafale, and F/A-18.
The diversity of aircraft types provided realistic training conditions, as the platforms differ significantly in performance, sensor capabilities, and tactical employment. This posed additional challenges for the participating pilots and increased the overall training value.
Some different U.S. units and types
Objectives
The primary focus of the exercise was on Basic Fighter Maneuvers, including:
- Energy and position management
- Close-in turning combat
- Offensive and defensive maneuvering
- Situational awareness
These skills form the foundation for more advanced air combat operations. They remain essential even in the era of modern sensors and beyond-visual-range weapons.
Most engagements were conducted as 1v1 air combat encounters. Pilots often did not know in advance which aircraft type or nationality they would face, increasing realism and requiring a high level of adaptability and tactical flexibility.
Some participants from Scandinavian countries
Execution
The exercise was conducted through multiple sorties spread throughout the day. Each sortie consisted of:
- Pre-flight briefing, including safety rules and exercise parameters
- Takeoff from Ramstein Air Base
- Execution of 1v1 air combat training within designated airspace
- Recovery and debriefing, during which engagements were analyzed in detail
The debriefing phase was a critical element, allowing pilots to exchange experiences, review performance, and identify tactical lessons learned.
Germany, France and UK with Rafale’s, Eurofighter and F-35’s
Conclusion
The Ramstein 1v1 Exercise 2024 was a successful multinational air force exercise that deliberately focused on fundamental air combat skills. The combination of diverse aircraft types, international participation, and realistic one-on-one scenarios resulted in a high training value for all participants.
The exercise made an important contribution to pilot proficiency development. It strengthened NATO interoperability. It also enhanced collective defense readiness.
