NATO Air Forces Conduct First-ever Dogfight Exercise in Germany

Fighter jets from nine NATO countries participated in Europe’s first-ever basic fighter maneuvers exercise- sometimes called Dogfighting- at the Ramstein air base in Germany on June 6.

The exercise assumes significance in the light of the impending transfer of F-16 jets to Ukraine where they are expected to engage with Russian fighters such as the Su-35 and MiG-29.

Participants included military aviators from the U.S., UK, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, and Germany. Aircraft included F-35A Lightning IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, Eurofighter Typhoons, Dassault Rafale Cs, F/A-18 Hornets, and Douglas A-4 Skyhawks.

"Basic fighter maneuvering is a foundational skill set for fighter pilots," said Lt. Col. Michael Loringer, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa chief of weapons and tactics. "It tests a pilot's reaction time, physical stamina, and situational awareness. BFM is a coveted and timeless skill, dating back to the first fighter pilots of World War I. There is no better way to build trust in a pilot's aircraft or skills than to engage in a one-on-one BFM fight."

“This exercise is about preparation and being ready to deploy and project our airpower throughout Europe and Africa at a moment's notice,’ said Airman Basic Regis Dickerson II, 86th Logistic Readiness Squadron mobile distribution operator. “The stronger our trust and connections becomes, the stronger our capabilities become. When we join together as one, this shows our adversaries what we are capable of.”